11 July 2025
The Royal Australian Air Force marked the 100th birthday of RAAF Base Richmond on June 30, celebrating the oldest RAAF base in NSW and a stalwart of the Hawkesbury region.
In the shadow of the Blue Mountains and nestled beside the winding Hawkesbury River, RAAF Base Richmond welcomed its first aircraft, 3 Squadron’s Army Co-Op DH.9, DH9A Bomber and single-seat SE5A Fighter, in the winter of 1925.
The base would grow to become a vital training base for wireless and telegraph operators during World War 2 before becoming a hub for air mobility assets once the war had ended.
Most notably, RAAF Base Richmond has been home to the C-130 Hercules since the aircraft first came into service in 1958. The aircraft has now become a symbol of the region and is much loved by its residents.
In more recent years, RAAF Base Richmond has become a main support base for RAAF’s contribution to humanitarian and disaster relief operations including Operation Bushfire Assist 2019/2020, and the Afghanistan Non-Combatant Evacuation in 2021.
RAAF Base Richmond's Community Liaison Officer, Wing Commander Michael Stuart-Watt, reflected on how the base had developed over the past 100 years and the unique capability it provided to Air Force.
“Since I first posted to RAAF Base Richmond in 1981, I have seen the base develop into a hub of both Royal Australian Air Force operations and Defence progress,” Wing Commander Stuart-Watt said.
“The combination of Australia Defence Force personnel, Australian Public Servants and Defence industry make for a high-performing environment and results in a diverse community where everyone gets involved in base events and in the local community.”
'RAAF Base Richmond has played an important role in the Hawkesbury region since its establishment in 1925.'
A unique aspect of RAAF Base Richmond and its aviators has always been the strong connection and relationship with the Hawkesbury community.
The base and the town of Richmond have grown together over the past 100 years, evolving from a strong, rural farming town to a developing suburban hub in which RAAF aviators participate in local events, school communities and sporting teams.
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell said the support from the Richmond and wider Hawkesbury community underpinned the continued development and success of the base.
“RAAF Base Richmond has played an important role in the Hawkesbury region since its establishment in 1925, “Air Marshal Chappell said.
“The base’s 100-year anniversary not only signifies its importance to the Royal Australian Air Force’s ability to generate and deliver air power as part of our national defence, but recognises and celebrates the commitment of the local community to sustain and support RAAF Base Richmond and the aviators that call it home.
“The Royal Australian Air Force looks forward to celebrating this milestone with the local community at the RAAF Richmond Airshow in September.”
RAAF Base Richmond aviators hope to celebrate the base’s centenary with as many members of the community as possible at the air show, and to say thank you for their continued support.
Further information on the history of RAAF Base Richmond can be found here. Details of the RAAF Richmond Airshow can be found here.
