DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 348/09
Saturday, 17 October 2009
AIR FORCE MARCH THROUGH PORT STEPHENS
Swords were drawn, rifles carried, drums beat and
colours
flown as RAAF Base
Williamtown exercised its Freedom of Entry to the City of Port Stephens with a
parade through Raymond Terrace this morning.
Led by the Chief of Staff Air Combat Group, Group Captain Vincent Iervasi, the
parade marched through the city and was granted entry by Superintendant Charles
Haggett of Port Stephens Local Area Command.
Group Captain Iervasi said
it was a privilege to march through Raymond Terrace and
recognise the strong relationship forged between the Air Force Base and the City of
Port Stephens.
“The right of Freedom of Entry is a significant honour that demonstrates trust, loyalty
and a sense
of community between a city and a military unit,” said Group Captain
Iervasi.
“Over the last 33 years, RAAF Williamtown has developed a strong association with
the City of Port Stephens. Many Base personnel have and continue to be involved in a
range of sporting, academic and community events.
“We are proud to exercise a tradition that recognises this involvement and to continue
to foster an enduring relationship between the City and RAAF Base Williamtown”.
This strong relationship was extended when
the Mayor of Port Stephens, Councillor
Bruce MacKenzie, demonstrated his commitment by signing a Communities for Air
Force Agreement
on 21 September. This agreement was also signed by the Lord
Mayor of Newcastle, Mayor of Ipswich and Senior ADF Officer Williamtown, Air
Commodore Neil Hart.
“The agreement highlighted the local government’s commitment to
recognise
Air
Force personnel and their families as key members of the community and to work
with Air Force for the mutual benefit of the community, Defence personnel and
operations,” Air Commodore Hart said.
Port Stephen’s General Manager, Mr Peter Gesling, also experienced an F/A-18
Hornet
familiarisation
flight over Newcastle to gain a comprehensive overview of the
fast jet capability and the many support systems required for operations, as well as
Williamtown’s flight paths.
DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 62656946
RAAF Base Williamtown was granted the Freedom of the City of Port Stephens on 6
September 1976. It was awarded for recognition of the manner in which Officers and
Airmen of the Base had served in war and peace over the period of years, thereby
bringing added prestige to the City and district.
Freedom today indicates the pride the local municipality has in its long associations
with the Royal Australian Air Force Base and the strong links forged with the
community.
Today’s parade marks the 33rd
Anniversary of the base receiving the Freedom of
Entry and also commemorated RAAF Base Williamtown’s 68th Anniversary.
F/A-18 Hornets from No. 77 Squadron performed a four-ship formation flypast over
Raymond Terrace to honour the significant occasion.
Media contacts:
Flight Lieutenant Skye Smith:
02 4928 6818 or 0438 462 944
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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