Change of command at No 608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron, AAFC

On Friday 1 December, the cadets and staff of No 608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron, AAFC, welcomed their new Commanding Officer – Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Philip Brow.

Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Brow comes to the squadron with a wealth of experience. He is married with two sons, both of whom were Air Force Cadets. Phil himself has risen from being a cadet (in 1973-75), to having a 38 year career as a volunteer adult instructor and officer with the AAFC.

His command experience includes a term as Commanding Officer of No 614 Squadron at Port Pirie for five years, and almost two years as Commanding Officer of No 620 Squadron at Kadina. He is currently also an instructor with 606 Flight (the 6 Wing Band).

Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Brow said, “Taking up the appointment at 608 Squadron is going to be a challenge, but one I am really looking forward to”.

As a former Public Affairs Officer for 6 Wing, Philip is well aware of 608 Squadron’s long association with the Town of Gawler and its important role in developing young adults from the region.

The current 6 Wing Public Affairs Officer Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig said, “From its humble beginnings in 1951 as No 8 Flight of the South Australian Squadron, Air Training Corps, No 608 Squadron has continued training Air Force Cadets from the Willaston-Gawler and Barossa regions”.

In December 2011, the squadron was granted the Freedom of Entry of the Town of Gawler, marking the 60th anniversary of its original creation in 1951. Five years later, on Sunday 4 December last year, the ‘Town of Gawler’ Squadron exercised its right of Freedom of Entry and paraded in the main street according to ancient custom.

Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Brow said, “I’m sure there will be a settling in period with the new staff. That will bring some new challenges, but we will all be working in the same direction”.

He also said, “The AAFC is a premier youth development organisation which teaches life skills and provides incredible experiences in a military and aviation environment. There now exists an opportunity for new members aged between 13 and 17 to join the squadron”.

No 608 Squadron is centrally located for members from the Willaston-Gawler and Barossa regions, or the far northern suburbs of Adelaide. The squadron parades on Friday nights during school terms.

Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Brow advises: “For those interested in joining, there will be an information night at the Gawler Depot on Friday 16 February 2018 starting at 6 pm”. The depot is located at the corner of Gawler River Road and Two Wells Road in Willaston.

Potential future cadets aged between 13 and 17, and adults interested in joining as staff, should email: co.608sqn@aafc.org.au

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