The Royal Australian Air Force's Boeing 707 crews, which left Australian shores recently to join the international coalition against terrorism, were officially farewelled at a ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond on 15 March.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale, and Member for Macquarie, Kerry Bartlett, joined family and friends of the deploying 707 air and ground crew members to wish them a successful and safe mission.

'All Australians should be proud of the airmen and airwomen who are representing our country...' - CAF

Australia has sent a 707 air-to-air refuelling aircraft, which can embark Squadron support personnel and equipment, as well as rendezvous with fighter aircraft for refuelling operations.

The aircraft and personnel are based in Manas, Kyrgyzstan, where they will play an important role in Australia's commitment to fighting terrorism.

The deployment is a detachment from No.84 Wing and is made up of Air Force personnel drawn from across the country, including No. 33 Squadron, No. 1 Combat Support Group and No. 3 Hospital.

Members from No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron, the RAAF Security and Fire School, Headquarters Combat Support Group, No. 32 Squadron and No. 322 Combat Support Squadron are also involved.

In farewelling the crew, AIRMSHL Houston paid tribute to the courage of all Air Force personnel involved in the coalition's operations.

'All Australians should be proud of the airmen and airwomen who are representing our country, whether they be involved in F/A-18 Hornet operations, the 707 deployment or in a support capacity here at home,' he said.

'I'd also like to take this opportunity to recognise the families of deployed personnel who make their own quiet commitment to this important effort.'