Squadron supports SA community
No. 83 Squadron provided a military contingent to the Moonta Anzac Day dawn service as part of the squadron’s emerging relationship with the Moonta RSL sub-branch, SA.
CAPTION: Members of No. 83 Squadron take part in the catafalque party during the 2021 Anzac Day service held at the Cenotaph, Moonta, SA. Story by Flight Lieutenant Georgina MacDonald. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Stewart Gould.
As a squadron with a long history, No. 83 Squadron was initially formed during World War II on February 26, 1943, to be a homeland defence squadron and subsequently disbanded on September 20, 1945, after the end of the war.
This year the squadron reformed to employ the Distributed Ground Station – Australia weapon system and deliver a centralised capability to fuse airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data into actionable intelligence to support ADF operations.
Squadron Warrant Officer Lewis Shimmin said how significant Anzac Day was for members to recognise their tangible connection to previous wars.
“No. 83 Squadron continues the Anzac spirit through support to all people who make Australia what it is today, particularly during times of distress,” Warrant Officer Shimmin said.
“Throughout these events, No. 83 Squadron has been employed to ensure that timely and actionable information is delivered to help ADF operations and the civil community.”
Commanding Officer of No. 83 Squadron Wing Commander Andrew Miller said the link between the squadron to Moonta symbolised the thoughts of ‘Then. Now. Always’.
“Moonta is a very significant location for the Air Force as it is the hometown of Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams who is widely regarded as the ‘father’ of the RAAF,” Wing Commander Andrew Miller said.
“Anzac Day thus provides me a chance to reflect on our proud military history, recognise those who have fallen in the pursuit of prosperity, and truly understand what the Defence values of service and courage mean to us in the contemporary ADF.
“Of course, the creation of a relationship with Moonta and 83 Squadron holds special connection in 2021, as the Air Force marks its 100th birthday this year.
“It is with great excitement that 83 Squadron – in its first year of being reformed – connects with such a special place.”
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