Volume 48, No. 4, March 23, 2006
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Cutting
the celebratory cake is (left) LAC Joel Horvatic, the youngest
member of No. 75SQN, with CO WGCDR Steve Roberton.
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Photo
by LAC Steve Duncan
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AN
F/A-18 flypast marked birthday celebrations for one of Darwin’s
oldest squadrons earlier this month.
Along with a lunchtime BBQ and official cake cutting, No. 75SQN
celebrated their 64th birthday by firing a replica small ships
canon.
FSGT Stephen Lippinkhof recited the Squadron’s history, while
Commanding Officer, WGCDR Steve Roberton presented medals and
unit commendations to personnel.
No. 75SQN was the first of four squadrons rapidly formed on March
4, 1942. One month prior, Japanese forces had attacked Darwin
and the RAAF did not have a single fighter squadron to defend
Australia.
The Squadron was deployed immediately to Port Moresby with Kittyhawks
to do battle against Japanese Zero aircraft.
Approaching the end of her tour with the Squadron, Admino FLTLT
Simone Hilton said, “I have been at No. 75SQN for three years
and it has been a highlight of my career. Having the opportunity
to deploy and work with the best fighter squadron in Australia
has been a privilege.”
After Easter, the Squadron will depart for Malaysia to participate
in Exercise Bersama Shield.
