History making

Volume 48, No. 17, Sepetember 21, 2006

BON VOYAGE: 33SQN’s A20-261 will go down in history as the last Aussie 707 to visit the UK thanks to its final ADF tasking — the Royal International Air Tattoo. Photo courtesy of FLGOFF Chris Nash

THE transition to the new KC-30B Multi-Role Tanker Transport from 33SQN has begun, with the retirement of one of its B707 aircraft last month.

Built in 1976, and purchased by Air Force in 1988, the aircraft boasts 33,787 airframe hours and 22,638 safe landings. It was the only non-air-refueling B707; its role being purely airlift support or, in the past, VIP transport.

A20-261 will go down in history as the last Aussie 707 to visit the UK to fulfill its final ADF task.

Aircraft Captain SQNLDR Greg Meek and 15 crew members flew A20-261 to the Royal International Air Tattoo in the United Kingdom in July via Fiji, Honolulu, San Francisco, and Dover Air Force Base on the east coast of the United States. 

The trip presented a great training opportunity for the crew and a treat for the many spectators at the Tattoo.

A farewell flight over RAAF Base Williamtown and Sydney was conducted with family and friends onboard before the aircraft’s final flight to RAAF Base Amberley for disposal on August 24.

The remaining B707s will be gradually retired over the next two years, with the final withdrawal on June 30, 2008.

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