Final port of call

A vision splendid ... one of the HS748’s wings its way over Sydney Harbour.

Photo by AC Gibbs

ACW Francine Green points out a feature to AC Joshua Edmunds during the final flight over Sydney by two HS748s. They were among 36 personnel to take advantage of the historic flight.

Photo by LAC Col Dadd

Commander Air Lift Group AIRCDRE Greg Evans salutes two Draggies in a flypast at a parade at RAAF Base Richmond to farewell the aircraft.

Photo by CPL Brett Sherriff

THE majestic setting of Sydney Harbour provided a fitting scene as two HS748s, the “queens of the sky”, made a final flight over the city on May 3.

The aircraft also conducted a farewell flypast over RAAF Base Richmond at a parade on May 4.

The Air Force’s five remaining Draggies will be decommissioned on June 30 after 37 years’ service. In that time they have been used for VIP transport, navigator/observer training, electronic warfare training and air lift support tasks.

HS748 Flight Commander Squadron Leader Stewart Dowrie, of No. 32 Squadron, said it was appropriate to conduct a final flight over Richmond and the wider city because of the aircraft’s links with the Sydney-based Air Lift Group.

“ALG has been responsible for the aircraft since 1989 when 32SQN was re-formed,” SQNLDR Dowrie said.

“It’s been a fantastic aircraft for training navigators and junior pilots and giving them the skills to make a positive contribution to the Air Force’s operational capability.”

He said the Draggies were undertaking their last major task in support of the 2004 Roulettes’ Outback Tour – also doubling as a farewell tour for the HS748s – which runs until May 27. Two HS748s are accompanying the Roulettes on visits to regional and remote areas of Queensland, the Northern Territory, NSW and Victoria. They are transporting personnel and equipment, and also featuring in the airshows.

“One of the places we are going to is Horn Island, which is significant because it’s where our Squadron was based during World War II,” SQNLDR Dowrie said.

Among other activities that will be held to mark the retirement of the HS748s – which are being replaced by King Airs – is a Freedom of the City Parade at Sale on June 18 and a cocktail party at RAAF Base East Sale on June 19. The cost of the farewell function is $30. For details contact the RAAF Special Events Coordinator on (02) 6266 1830.

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