Squadron recognised for excellence
Personnel from No. 10 Squadron operating the AP-3C Orion (EW) based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia have maintained a culture of excellence with a number of significant achievements acknowledged in Air Force’s centenary year.
CAPTION: The view from the cockpit as No. 10 Squadron AP-3C Orions fly in formation. Story by Flight Sergeant Jessica Daley.
The squadron was awarded the Duke of Gloucester Cup in 2021 by the Chief of Air Force for the Most Proficient Flying Unit of 2020.
Commanding Officer No. 10 Squadron Wing Commander Marija Jovanovich said the squadron’s success was attributed to its attitude and teamwork.
“The award recognises the impressive work conducted by all members of 10 Squadron throughout 2020, ranging from ICT support, maintenance, logistics, administration and aircrew,” Wing Commander Jovanovich said.
It is the third time that the unit has received the Duke of Gloucester Cup since the award’s inception in 1947.
“Significantly, the unit also sustained an intensive operational flying program in increasingly contested environments despite a complex set of ongoing challenges, including COVID-19,” Wing Commander Jovanovich said.
“Throughout numerous deployments, 10 Squadron continues to receive exemplary feedback from national and allied intelligence and special operations communities, acknowledging the capability outcomes delivered for the joint force.”
The high tempo of support to operations has continued throughout 2021, including the overseas deployment of the unit’s commanding officer, personnel and aircraft.
No. 10 Squadron has also broken new ground in 2021, with an all-female executive appointed.
“I am really proud of our unit’s achievements, showcasing that there are no barriers or limits to what can be achieved in Air Force,” Wing Commander Jovanovich said.
The evolution of the squadron together with the strength of today’s capability and culture can also be attributed to the men and women who built the foundations of the squadron from its earliest beginnings.
No. 10 Squadron was formed in 1939 and was the first British Commonwealth squadron to experience active service in World War II and the only RAAF squadron to see continuous active service for the entirety of the war. The squadron’s rich tapestry of aircraft include Sunderlands, Lincoln Bombers, Neptunes, and variations of P-3C Orion aircraft, including the two AP-3C (EW) aircraft it operates now.
It’s a remarkable achievement to consider Air Force has been flying the P-3 Orion aircraft for more than half of its 100 years.
Although the two AP-3C (EW) Orion airframes flown by No. 10 Squadron are approaching 40 years of service in the RAAF, their aircraft upgrades deliver an important airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance electronic warfare (ISR EW) capability and are a driver of how ISR EW operations will integrate into the future force.
“10 Squadron is proud to fly and achieve outstanding outcomes on the oldest currently serving operational aircraft in the RAAF inventory, however we are equally excited to embrace the future force as Air Force platforms continue to evolve and new technologies come online,” Wing Commander Jovanovich said.
“The P-3 community is a passionate community and it has been the greatest privilege of my career to fly the aircraft, command the final P-3 squadron and play a small role in its long and distinguished operational history.”
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