No. 42 Wing readies for reformation

RAAF Base Williamtown's No. 42 Wing Crest

WITH a wedgetail eagle in full flight and the words “Defend from Above”, the new motto and crest of RAAF Base Williamtown’s No. 42 Wing has been launched in time for the reformation of the Wing on January 1 next year.

The decision to reform No. 42 Wing is in line with Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd’s vision for the Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW and C) capability for the Air Force.

No. 42 Wing will deliver AEW and C capability in independent air operations and enable and support operations in the maritime and land environments.

The crest, with an Australian wedgetail eagle in full flight gripping a sword crossed with a lightning bolt before a silver Commonwealth Star of Federation, was chosen to represent No. 42 Wing’s capabilities and nature.

The wedgetail eagle, one of the largest eagles in the world, has acute vision, widely ranges for prey, protects its territory without compromise and remains aloft for long periods of time.

The sword symbolises No.42 Wing’s operational and command responsibilities and the lightning bolt represents the electrical energy of the radars and other systems of the Wing’s capability.

The silver Star of Federation represents the Wing’s service and contribution to the Commonwealth of Australia.

No. 42 Wing, with a De Havilland Tiger Moth and an Avro Anson, was first formed in Townsville on February 1, 1943, where it remained until disbanded on October 1, 1944.

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