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The Royal Australian Air Force’s 35 Squadron has celebrated the 75th anniversary of its formation by flying a C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter over Sydney Harbour.
“We were formed in March 1942, and our 75th year has certainly been a busy one as we continue to introduce the Spartan to Air Force service,” said Wing Commander Jarrod Pendlebury, 35 Squadron commanding officer.
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“The past 12 months have witnessed the first international deployments of the Spartan for Operation Hannah during the Papua New Guinea elections, and exercises in New Zealand and New Caledonia.
“Separately, we have conducted demonstrations of the Spartan’s unique landing capabilities, operating from locations like the Eyre Highway in South Australia.”
Following the delivery of the first C-27J to Australia in 2015, this year has seen the squadron grow from four to eight of an eventual 10 aircraft.
35 Squadron will continue flying from RAAF Base Richmond until early 2019, when it is due to relocate to new facilities at RAAF Base Amberley.
AlanH
says:The RAAF celebrated by flying “a” Spartan over Sydney Harbour. Would anyone have noticed? Why can’t we do things in style here and send 3 or4 Spartans in formation over the Harbour? That’s what the Yanks would do! And why not throw a couple of Herc C130Js and a C-17 into the mix too. Celebrate like 75 years actually means something!
Bill Heron
says:I have to agree with Alan. Who would have noticed and even if they did they probably assumed the aircraft was practicing low level work.
Unfortunately our Air Force does not have the budget for ceremonial duties and this would have been their token effort. Pretty sad as we have a fantastic professional force tbat rarely gets to showcase itself.
Dee Thom
says:If I recall rightly, Lancaster “G for George” flew under the Habour Bridge during a fund raising visit in the 1940’s, surely the Spartan could have replicated this feat as a tribute to their 75th birthday. That would have been worth seeing!