Operational support group heralds new Aerospace era

By FLTLT Keith Evans

Commander Aerospace Operational Support Group Group Captain Steve Fielder at the opening ceremony where a Mirage aircraft tail was unveiled. Photo by LACW Kim Janke

THE Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) celebrated 60 years of distinguished service and welcomed a new era of aerospace operational support in two special events at RAAF Base Edinburgh on July 25.

The formation of the Aerospace Operational Support Group (AOSG) was marked by an official ceremony, attended by Air Commander Australia Air Vice-Marshal John Kindler and more than 300 AOSG members and guests, at the new AOSG Headquarters building on the base.

The multi-million dollar facility – not due to be officially opened until later this year – was purpose built to accommodate a diverse range of AOSG functions, and includes airborne and ground engineering laboratories, an electromagnetic compatibility facility, a telemetry ground station and data processing area, a knowledge and
document production area and a large modification kit and equipment store.

After officially welcoming the AOSG into service, AVM Kindler joined Commander ASOG Group Captain Steve Fielder in unveiling a Mirage aircraft tail, displayed with the logos of all elements of the group including ARDU, the Joint Electronic Operational Support Unit and the Aircraft Stores Compatibility Engineering Agency, at the entrance of AOSG Headquarters.

The unveiling ceremony ended with a formation flypast of ARDU aircraft, including two PC-9s, an Iroquois helicopter, a Dakota, an F-111C and an F/A-18 Hornet.

That evening, to the theme of “60 Years – Forever Young”, 250 past and current members of ARDU and their invited guests attended a dinner celebrating the unit’s 60th anniversary against a backdrop of military aircraft in the ARDU hangar.

The audience heard speeches from AVM Kindler and GPCAPT Fielder and enjoyed the music of the RAAF Central Band Jazz Ensemble, and despite the cold conditions in the hangar, the evening was a big success.

 

 

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