Old friends impress

Volume 48, No. 14, August 10, 2006

WHO THROTTLED BACK: Past and present air power with a P-51 Mustang, Meteor Mk 8 and two F/A-18 Hornets. Photo by LAC Dave Gibbs

Williamtown aviation enthusiasts would have had to look twice when a P-51 Mustang, a Meteor Mk 8 and a Mirage flew together as part of a special June 2 flypast.

77SQN marked the 55th anniversary of its being ordered into combat with a reunion for former and current serving members and families at RAAF Base Williamtown.

The squadron was the first Commonwealth unit to participate in the Korean War.

The RAAF Museum, the Temora Aviation Museum and Fighter World, provided former 77SQN aircraft types for use during the event.

Spectators had a unique opportunity to see a Mustang, a Meteor and a Mirage alongside the current F/A-18 Hornet aircraft.

A P-40E Kittyhawk from the Airworld aviation museum at Wangaratta was forced back after numerous attempts to get through poor weather at Wagga Wagga.

Both the Mustang and Meteor put on aerobatic displays, and then combined with two 77SQN F/A-18s for a four-ship fly past.

Four F/A-18s then conducted a formation display that included simulated attacks on the airfield, complete with pyrotechnics, and finished with an aerobatics display.

CO 77SQN, WGCDR Alan Clements, said: “The day provided a unique opportunity for families and past 77SQN members to visit Williamtown and gain a greater understanding of the day-to-day function of a fighter squadron.

“Overall, the day was a huge success due to the efforts of many 77SQN personnel from both the operations side and the avionics maintenance facility.”

The event ended in a formal all-ranks dining-in night conducted in the 77SQN hangar, which was decorated with a comprehensive display of historical memorabilia honouring the achievements of 77SQN veterans and the Squadron’s heritage.

A celebration of the recent achievements of 77SQN personnel from the past 18 months, the dinner provided an opportunity to introduce junior ranks to the customs and traditions of a military dining-in night.

The guest speaker was former CO 77SQN, AIRCDRE Mark Binskin, who highlighted the strong culture of getting the job done at war and in peace, that exists within the squadron.

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