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Countdown for B707
By FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton
Volume 49, No. 17, September 20, 2007 |
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TIME’S RUNNING OUT: After nearly 30 years of service, the B707 fleet will be retired on June 30 next year, making way for the KC-30B multi-role tanker transport aircraft. Pictured is 33SQN crew attendant CPL Stefanie Russell on the job in a B707 cabin while on exercise recently.
Photo by LACW Melina Mancuso |
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The Boeing is going – June 30, 2008, has been set for 33SQN to bid a fond farewell to the Boeing 707 (B707) and to RAAF Base Richmond.
After nearly 30 years of service, A20-624 ‘Richmond Town’ will be the final B707 aircraft to be operated in Air Force service.
It’s currently one of two B707s in service with 33SQN, with the other aircraft – A20-629 ‘City of Sydney’ – slated for a planned withdrawal in November, following the Defence Air Show at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
While the aircraft numbers dwindle, anyone expecting the 33SQN workload to dwindle concurrently is mistaken.
A full list of exercises populates the 33SQN calendar until the B707 retirement, according to 33SQN CO WGCDR Jim Ghee.
“The twin challenges for 33SQN are to continue operating the 707 safely until its retirement, and to provide timely and credible information on withdrawal and transition activities to the 33SQN workforce,” WGCDR Ghee said.
“There will be an overlap between operating the B707 and start-up and training activities for the KC-30B, hence, there is a draw on personnel for both activities. As we withdraw aircraft, we do not need as many aircrew to operate the reduced fleet.
“However, maintenance numbers are not reducing as much, because the age of the aircraft means there is still significant maintenance required, even when the squadron is reduced to one aircraft.”
WGCDR Ghee is the Air Force’s final B707 unit CO, and will hand over command of 33SQN next June to WGCDR Guy Wilson, currently Deputy Director of the KC-30B Transition Team.
WGCDR Ghee came to B707s after his pilot’s course in 1990, shortly after the first of four aircraft were converted to tanker/transport specification.
“The 707 is a classic aircraft, a superbly-built machine for a first generation jet transport,” WGCDR Ghee said.
“As someone who has spent 13 of the last 17 years operating at 33SQN, I know there will be a great deal of sadness at the passing of the 707, which has been a magnificent aircraft to fly and operate.
“I am proud of the effort and achievements of all the men and women who have operated the 707 since its introduction. I feel privileged to have flown the aircraft, and I am proud of the achievements of 33SQN while operating it.
“It is a sad privilege to be the final 707 CO.”
He said that the ability for one or two tanker/transport aircraft to move a whole fighter deployment as one group – personnel, equipment and aircraft – is a powerful capability for the ADF to possess.
“The Boeing 707 has revealed the potential for this role/capability, and I look forward to the KC-30B improving on the foundations laid by the ‘seven-oh’,” he said.
Air Lift Group is seeking anyone who may have historical records on the B707, including imagery. Contact ALG Public Affairs Officer, FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton, on (02) 4587 3844 or eamon.hamilton@defence.gov.au |
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