Guarded celebrations

Leading Aircraftman Steven Meier provides an insight into the technological capabilities that No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron is able to deploy into the field.

Aircraftman Kyle Quinlan demonstrates CBRND equipment.

NO. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron has celebrated the 20th anniversary of its reformation.

An open day on March 21 for families and guests enabled the squadron to demonstrate its capabilities.

This included a demonstration of an Evacuation Handling Centre (EHC) and Aircraft Security Operations (ASO). The EHC included evacuation handling and screening procedures, and the ASO demonstration provided an insight into the type of security provided to both aircraft and personnel when required.

The reformation celebrations concluded with a dining-in night for past and present members of the squadron and their families.

2AFDS was initially formed on April 7, 1945. It saw service in New Guinea, Brunei, Borneo and the Philippines until its disbandment on October 29, 1945.

In 1966 the Airfield Defence Guard mustering was officially formed, and rifle flights were established at Amberley, Williamtown, Richmond, Fairbairn and later Darwin.

By 1968 some 200 ADGs were on active duty in Butterworth in Malaysia, Ubon in Thailand and Vung Tau and Phan Rang in South Vietnam. The ADGs remained in their flight locations around Australia until March 17, 1983, when the flights were collocated and 2AFDS was reformed at RAAF Base Richmond. In 1989 the squadron was relocated to Amberley where it remains today.

2AFDS has supported a large number of exercises and operations and was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation in support of the International Force East Timor during Operation Warden and Operation Stabilise.

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