The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is today formally recognising its 86th birthday with a series of activities at RAAF bases across Australia, and at deployed Air Force elements overseas. In its 86 years, the RAAF has evolved into a world class air force. It provides air power for Australia’s security, contributes to coalition operations, and helps Australians and our regional neighbours in disaster relief.

“The anniversary of RAAF’s formation is a time to reflect on the tireless dedication and sacrifice of Air Force personnel in times of periods of conflict and peace in the last eight decades”, Chief of Air Force, AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd, said. “Air Force continues to attract outstanding people. Today is a time to recognise the hard work of current Air Force personnel, both in Australia and on overseas operations, including the Middle East and Timor Leste. 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 tasks for the Australian Government and people. But our key capability will remain our great people performing great work.” AIRMSHL Shepherd said.

The Australian Air Force was officially created on the 31 March 1921 (with approval to use the prefix Royal on 13 August 1921). The RAAF was initially comprised of 21 Officers, 128 Airmen and 153 aircraft. It was the only time in RAAF history that it had more aircraft than people. By April 1945, the RAAF consisted of over 18,000 personnel and 20 operational squadrons making it the world’s fourth largest Air Force at the time.

Since then, the men and women of the RAAF have continued to distinguish themselves in the many theatres of war or conflict in which Australia has been involved including Korea, South-East Asia, Vietnam, East Timor, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. RAAF personnel have supported Australians and our regional neighbours in their time of need, most recently in Operation Sumatra Assist, Operation Pakistan Assist and Operation Larry Assist.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will mark its 86th birthday with a commemorative service at the National Memorial to the RAAF on Anzac Parade in Canberra on Friday, 30 March 2007. The focus of the commemorations will be the service and sacrifice of RAAF veterans and current serving members. The ceremony will include a speech by Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd AO, a wreath laying and a fly past by four PC-9s from RAAF Base East Sale.

The aircraft will travel up Anzac Parade from Lake Burley Griffin over the War Memorial, at approximately 5.10pm and then across Anzac Parade at approximately 5.20pm. Anzac Parade will be closed to traffic from 12.00 pm to 6 pm.

What: Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) birthday commemorative service and Fly-past

When: Friday, 30 March 2007. The commemorative service begins at 4.30 pm

Where: RAAF Memorial, ANZAC Parade, Canberra

Who: Senator Gary Humphries, Senator for the ACT, Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AO, Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd AO and other distinguished guests.

MEDIA NOTE:

Assistance is sought from the media in notifying the Canberra community of the planned fly-past and the closure of ANZAC Parade to traffic between 12.00pm and 6.00pm.