Age won’t weary them

114MCRU members engaged in surveillance and control activity.

By FLGOFF Damian Hehir

SIXTY is an age at which the pace slows, but approaching its 60th birthday No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit continues to live up to its motto – “swift to react”.

Chartered with preparing, conducting, and sustaining effective Aerospace Battle Management Operations, the unit regularly conducts and participates in both real-time and exercise surveillance and control activity.

114MCRU’s participation in the recent Exercise Arnhem Thunder is a case in point.
Squadron Leader Brett Risstrom, Operations Officer 114MCRU, said the unit’s operational and technical staff were heavily involved in the planning and coordination of Arnhem Thunder.

“The coming dry season in the north makes it a busy period in the unit’s training schedule and an important time in 114MCRU’s history,” he said.

In fact, 114MCRU will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a parade and ball at RAAF Base Darwin on Friday, May 23. 114MCRU was formed in 1943 as No. 14 Mobile Fighter Sector HQ and saw extensive service in the Southwest Pacific and Borneo during World War II. In the years since the unit has served at Butterworth during the Malayan Emergency, in addition to garrison operations at Amberley, Tindal and, most recently, Darwin.

With the increased operational tempo of today’s Air Force, 114MCRU now has the ability to provide high quality surveillance and control data from either in-garrison or on deployed operations. Modern technology provides real-time data from any number of remote sensors to the unit, this being a vital management tool for modern Aerospace operations. 114MCRU’s next significant period of operations will occur later this year when the unit deploys in support of Exercise Flying Fish 03 and Exercise Crocodile 03.

Inquiries relating to the unit’s Anniversary Celebrations can be directed to 114MCRU Administration Officer Flying Officer Amanda McCurran on (08) 8924 2005.

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