By Kristina Kalnins
Volume 48, No. 18, October 05, 2006
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ON SHOW (above): 3SQN commemorates its 90th anniversary with a parade at RAAF Base Williamtown.
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AFTER 90 successful years on the job, 3SQN looks forward to at least another 90 years in the defence of Australia.
On the eve of this milestone, 3SQN proved it was still one of the most respected squadrons in the Air Force as it finished playing a crucial role during Exercise Pitch Black.
It celebrated its anniversary with a formal parade on September 14 at RAAF Base Williamtown. Family and members of the 3SQN Association attended.
Highlights of the day included a mini open day, in which a Hornet in a special 90th anniversary colour scheme was unveiled. Seriously-ill children from the Starlight Foundation also attended.
3SQN was formed at Point Cook in Victoria on September 19, 1916, as 3SQN, Australian Flying Corps. It was originally formed as 2SQN, but its number was changed.
Shortly afterwards, it sailed for England and was equipped with RE-8 aircraft. By September 1917, it was in action in France, conducting bombing and reconnaissance missions in support of British, Canadian and Anzac forces during the war.
3SQN established a formidable reputation for itself during WWI, both on the ground and in the air.
Members of 3SQN recovered the body of Baron Manfred von Richtofen and the remains of his aircraft after he was shot down, and returned them to the squadron’s airfield. The next day, the squadron mounted a guard of honour and buried his body with full military
honours.
After the outbreak of WWII, the squadron deployed to the western desert, flying successively Gladiators, Hurricanes, Tomahawks/Kittyhawks and finally Mustangs in support of the 8th Army.
The squadron spent many years in Butterworth flying Sabres and, later, Mirages. It played a significant role in the Malaysian emergency of the mid to late-1960s, conducting ground attack strikes.
In March 1986, the squadron transferred to RAAF Base Williamtown f and re-equipped with F/A-18s.
Part of 81WG, 3SQN is one of three operational fighter squadrons that operate the F/A-18.
CO 3SQN WGCDR Joe Iervasi said, “3SQN was a founding squadron of the AFC (and then RAAF), and, as such, was the springboard for the establishment of a number of other units. Both 22SQN and 450SQN were formed directly from 3SQN flights.
“During WWII, 3SQN was the highest-scoring Commonwealth unit in the desert air force during the North African campaign.
“There seems to be a common theme that 3SQN has led in most pursuits it has undertaken, and that certainly is a reputation we are striving to maintain.”
