29 August 2025
The families of 6 Squadron were welcomed to RAAF Base Amberley this month in recognition of the vital support they provide to the Air Force.
The family day event offered loved ones a rare opportunity to experience the workplace of their serving family member, with a showcase of the Squadron’s capabilities, as well as the wider Defence community.
Visitors were able to experience what a day in the RAAF can bring, with an EA-18G Growler static display, a chance to operate a Growler themselves in the flight-training simulator, and even the opportunity to witness air-to-air refuelling from on board a KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft.
For Flying Officer Deanna Horrell, whose partner, Pilot Officer Matt Daniec, was one of the refuelling Growler pilots, it was a moment she will never forget.
“It was the first time I’ve ever seen him fly from the sky. Watching him up there doing what he loves, being able to actually see it first hand – and even being able to wave to each other – was an amazing experience,” Flying Officer Horrell said.
The excitement continued in the air and on the ground, with guests treated to a flypast from the RAAF Base Amberley flying club, a handling display from a 1 Squadron F/A-18F Super Hornet jet and a showcase of firefighting vehicles and equipment from 23 Squadron.
'It was the first time I’ve ever seen him fly from the sky.'
Community and ADF support organisations were on site to highlight the wide range of services available to Defence members and their loved ones, including ADF Cycling, ADF Careers, Mates4Mates, Open Arms and Ipswich Legacy. There was even a visit from Penny and Vernon, the Australian Army’s 26th Transport Squadron camel mascots.
To close the event, 6 Squadron Commanding Officer Wing Commander Sal thanked the crowd for their ongoing support to 6 Squadron.
“I want to acknowledge the role you, our families, have in the Squadron. Without your commitment, we would not have a Squadron as able to do what it does right now. Your support to your loved ones is really important for us to make this capability work,” Wing Commander Sal said.
“Today is a great opportunity to bring you here and show you what we do – and give our heartfelt thanks.”
With clear skies and spectacular flying displays, the event not only celebrated the capability of 6 Squadron and the wider Air Force, but also reinforced the essential role of families in Defence operations.
