THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
013/2010
Parliamentary Secretary congratulates Royal Australian Air
Force for 89 years of service
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP
today congratulated the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for 89 years of
service during a commemorative event at the RAAF Memorial Grove in
Canberra.
The RAAF has had a close link with the Canberra community since the RAAF
Station Canberra was established on 1 April 1941. It was later renamed RAAF
Base Fairbairn and is currently home to No. 34 Squadron. Canberra is also
home to Air Force headquarters.
“The anniversary is a time to reflect on the sacrifices and commitment of
RAAF personnel throughout its history and to recognise the vital contributions
Air Force is making to current ADF operations in Australia and around the
world,” Dr Kelly said.
The Air Force has a strong operational history, taking part in major conflicts of
the 20th
century including the Second World War, the Korean War and the
Vietnam War.
“Today, over 400 Air Force members are playing an important role on
operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Darfur, East Timor, Solomon Islands
and more recently Haiti and Fiji, as well as at home conducting border
protection duties in Australia’s maritime domain.”
“The RAAF is a proud member of the Canberra community. These
anniversary celebrations are an important opportunity for the Air Force to
acknowledge the support received and partnerships formed during its time in
Canberra,” Dr Kelly said
Media contacts:
Elyse Gatt (Dr Mike Kelly):
02 6277 4840 or 0437 502 246
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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