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86th anniversary celebrations
By Andrew Stackpool

Edition 4906, April 19, 2007
 
FLAG WAVING: CPL Emma Thomas waves the Air Force ensign in Baghdad.
Photo by CAPT Margaret Nichols
 
Inset: Service members who attended the Anzac Parade service.
Photos by LACW Kim Eager
 
AIR Force is 86 years young and celebrated the event with a series of activities at its bases across Australia and among its deployed forces overseas.

The official celebration occurred in Canberra on March 30, when CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd joined several VIPs and dignitaries, the Air Force element of the Federation Guard and the band at a parade at the Air Force memorial. The Roulettes conducted a fly-past.

“The anniversary of the RAAF’s formation is a time to reflect on the tireless dedication and sacrifice of Air Force personnel in times of conflict and peace over the last eight decades,” AIRMSHL Shepherd said.

The Australian Air Force was officially created on March 31, 1921, but did not become the RAAF until August 13 that year. At the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, front-line aircrew were trained under the Empire Air Training Scheme to provide the RAF with aircrews. However, as the war progressed, other RAAF squadrons were raised and flew under their own commanders as well. They served in every major campaign from Britain and Europe to the defence of Australia and the South Pacific.

Since 1945, Air Force has continued to serve with distinction in peace and conflict around the world; in Japan, Europe, Korea, South-East Asia, Vietnam, Timor-Leste and now in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Its men and women have distinguished themselves in peace-keeping and emergency and disaster-relief operations in Australia and as far afield as Pakistan, Lebanon and Iran. “Air Force continues to attract outstanding people,” AIRMSHL Shepherd said.

“Today is a time to recognise the hard work of current Air Force personnel, both in Australia and on overseas operations. I am proud of what they’re achieving.

“We also look ahead to the Air Force of the future. In the next decade, almost every Air Force air capability will be updated. It will be an exciting and challenging time. These new capabilities will ensure that Air Force remains ready to carry out its tasks for the Australian Government and people.

“But our key capability will remain our great people performing great work,” AIRMSHL Shepherd said.