DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 280/08
Sunday, 31 August 2008
AIR FORCE’S NO 21 SQUADRON – PROUD TO BE PART OF
MELBOURNE
Melbourne’s own No 21 Squadron will today exercise its Freedom of Entry to the city
for the first time in 10 years.
Members of the Air Force Reserve Squadron and the Royal Australian Air Force
Band will march along Swanston Street, watched by Lord Mayor John So and Chief
of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin.
No 21 Squadron has a proud history. It was formed at Laverton in 1936 and its
wartime service included escorting shipping convoys and providing bombing support
in New Guinea.
“Although no-longer a flying unit, today No 21 Squadron plays a vital role in training
and providing Reservists to support the permanent Air Force,” Air Marshal Binskin
said.
“Our Reservists serve in a wide range of roles contributing to Air Force’s day-to-day
activities, both in Australia and on overseas deployments.”
Later today Air Marshal Binskin will speak at the Defence Reserves Association
Support Day celebrations at the Shrine of Remembrance, and give thanks to the many
ex-servicemen and women who took the time to join No 21 Squadron and the Air
Force Band on the day.
“Our Reserves are supported by a very generous community. Employers, families
and friends make sacrifices to allow Reservists to commit their time and for this we
are grateful,” Air Marshal Binskin said.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
