RAAF thrills Hunter Valley crowds

Almost 20,000 aviation enthusiasts converged on Cessnock Airport across March 25 to 26 to witness the might and power of modern and historic flying displays.

CAPTION: Historic aircraft from 100 Squadron fly in formation over crowds at the Hunter Valley Airshow. Story by Flight Lieutenant Nick O’Connor. All photos by Sergeant Glen McCarthy.

This year’s Hunter Valley Airshow treated patrons to various heart-stopping aerial displays, including flyovers from the E-7A Wedgetail, the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and heritage aircraft from 100 Squadron.

100 Squadron Commanding Officer Wing Commander Jason Easthope said the Royal Australian Air Force’s participation in the air show demonstrated its commitment to regional community engagement.

“It’s important that RAAF participates in air shows such as this because it showcases our capability,” Wing Commander Easthope said.

CAPTION: Commanding Officer 100 Squadron Wing Commander Jason Easthope at the Hunter Valley Airshow.

“Our presence provides a face to the Royal Australian Air Force name and allows us to interact and explain what we do as part of the ADF.”

The Royal Australian Air Force was part of a broader ADF presence at the air show, with Navy and Army also providing a range of aerial and static displays.

“There is a diverse range of ADF assets, both on the ground and in the air,” Wing Commander Easthope said.

“Having the triservice presence allows the ADF to showcase its joint capabilities.”

CAPTION: Crowds attending the Hunter Valley Airshow point their cameras to the skies as aircraft perform overhead.

Crowds also visited a range of ADF ground displays and listened to performances by the Royal Australian Air Force Band, while the RAAF Balloon proved a hit with patrons.

CAPTION: Pyrotechnics are unleashed on the airfields of Cessnock to simulate bombing attacks for the Hunter Valley Airshow.

 

The above report originally contained zero references to “Royal Australian” or RAAF  – an ‘error’ corrected by CONTACT. See here why we think this matters.

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