By
PTE John Wellfare
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No.
2 Operational Conversion Unit’s F/A-18 shows off the 20th
anniversary paint scheme while performing an aerobatic display
over Tomaree Heads, NSW.
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Photos
by LAC Rob Mitchell
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An
F/A-18 has been painted in a unique pattern
to mark 20 years of Air Force service.
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The
paint scheme was a combined Air Force
and Boeing design.
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A
HORNET has been given a striking paint job to commemorate the
20th anniversary of the aircraft’s service in the Air Force.
The pattern was decided upon in a collaborative effort between
the Air Force, which held a competition amongst all Hornet squadrons
and units to design the unique paint scheme, and Boeing.
Air Combat Group public affairs officer Flying Officer Kathleen
Gibson said the final design was an amalgamation between the winning
Air Force design entry submitted by Sergeant David Turnbull, of
No. 3 Squadron, and Boeing’s design team.
“All of the individual designs submitted were presented to the
Commander of Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Mark Binskin,” she
said.
“He selected what he thought was the best one and forwarded it
to CAF, Air Marshal Angus Houston, who approved his selection.
“From there, SGT Turnbull’s design was forwarded to the Boeing
design team.
The Boeing design team had a colour scheme in mind, however there
were several key design points from SGT Turnbull’s entry that
were incorporated into it. “We were very impressed by the quality
of entries received and would like to thank all of those members
who took the time to create and submit their unique designs.”
In addition to the winning design submitted by SGT Turnbull, AIRCDRE
Binskin awarded a special runner-up award to Corporal Jeremy Caesar
from No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit.
Both
members will be recognised at a ceremony in the next few weeks,
at which AIRCDRE Binskin will personally offer SGT Turnbull the
opportunity to complete an F/A-18 passenger ride. The Hornet painted
was a training aircraft from 2OCU and will be flown throughout
the year by 2OCU Hornet display pilot Squadron Leader Paul Simmons.
The
aircraft will make a number of public appearances throughout the
year, although no program had been finalised as Air Force newspaper
went to print. The aircraft’s first appearance and official unveiling
was at the Australian International Air Show at Avalon on March
15.
Boeing’s representative on the project, Robert Carrick, said the
venture was an example of the close relationship shared by the
two organisations, with Boeing charging Defence just one cent
for the paint job. “I think the big Air Force roundels on the
wings look quite spectacular and that came from the Air Force
design,” he said.
“From Boeing’s perspective, it’s certainly a collaborative effort
with the Air Force. “McDonnell-Douglas manufactured the aircraft
and Boeing maintains that through the Hornet Industry Coalition,
which we lead in Williamtown.”
He said it would be up to the Air Force how the aircraft was used
with its new colours. “Basically, it will have that paint scheme
throughout the year and Boeing will be repainting the aircraft
at the end of the year back into the normal combat scheme.
“Obviously the aircraft still maintains the combat capability,
just in a shinier paint job than the others.”
