From spectators to Riverfire stars

Two aviators who grew up in south-east Queensland fulfilled childhood dreams of flying in Brisbane’s most iconic event – Riverfire – on 31 August.

CAPTION: Aviators from 1 Squadron, Flight Lieutenants Nick and Slade, with a F/A-18F Super Hornet at RAAF Base Amberley prepare for their flying display. Story by Squadron Leader Tina Turner. Photo byCorporal Brett Sherriff.

Australian Defence Force has a long history of participating in Riverfire, which marks the start of Australia’s largest international arts program, the Brisbane Festival.

Flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet at this year’s event will be Flight Lieutenant Nick, who is originally from Brisbane, and Flight Lieutenant Slade from the Gold Coast.

Flight Lieutenant Nick said Riverfire was a night of community celebrations involving flypasts, music and fireworks and an annual tradition for many South East Queensland families.

“Having grown up in South East Queensland, both Slade and I watched lots of Riverfire events over the years,” Flight Lieutenant Nick said.

“As kids, we watched the famous F-111 dump and burn which would light up the Brisbane CBD.

“As we became high school students we transitioned to watching the F/A-18F Super Hornets perform the sunset display and hoped one day we would be the ones lighting the afterburners through the Brisbane CBD.

“It’s definitely a childhood dream of mine and I feel incredibly privileged to be participating in this year’s Riverfire, flying over my home city of Brisbane.”

At Riverfire, Flight Lieutenant Nick’s family will get to see him fly the Super Hornet for the first time.

“This will be an unforgettable experience for both of us and we can’t wait to get into the city on Friday and Saturday.”

RAAF’s C-17A Globemaster and the ARH Tigers from the Army Aviation Centre will also be conducting flying displays at Riverfire.

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