RAAF air show set to thrill Newcastle

The Royal Australian Air Force, in partnership with the City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council, has announced the Air Force Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023, to be held over 18 and 19 November.

CAPTION: Head of air shows Air Commodore Micka Gray announces the Air Force Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 during a media conference at Fort Scratchley, Newcastle, with Port Stephens Council General Manager Tim Crosdale, left, Federal Member for Patterson Meryl Swanson and Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes. Story by Squadron Leader Courtney Jay. Photo by Corporal Craig Barrett.

Led by the City of Newcastle, the free community event on 18 November will include morning and afternoon flying displays by RAAF aircraft over Newcastle beaches and rivers.

On 19 November, RAAF Base Williamtown will open its gates for a ticketed non-flying open day featuring static ground displays and a range of military equipment from across the ADF.

Head of RAAF air shows Air Commodore Micka Gray said RAAF Base Williamtown had a long association with the Newcastle and Port Stephens communities.

“RAAF Base Williamtown has been part of the community since opening in 1941, at the time providing protection for the Hunter region’s strategic port and steel manufacturing facilities during WWII,” Air Commodore Gray said.

“The Royal Australian Air Force is proud to work with the City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council to showcase the people and military capabilities, and to extend our sincere gratitude to the community for its support.

“The flying displays in Newcastle, and the open day at the base, will aim to not only strengthen our relationship with the community, but offer insight into the vital role the ADF plays in ensuring the security of our nation.”

Group Captain Anthony Stainton, of RAAF Base Williamtown, further emphasised the importance of this air show for the base and community.

“Having the opportunity to welcome the people of the Hunter region to RAAF Base Williamtown is our way of saying thank you for the community support provided to our serving members, Australian Public Service staff and of course to our families,” Group Captain Stainton said.

“For me, it is a fitting culmination of my 35 years in the Royal Australian Air Force to be able to open the doors to the organisation I love and have been honoured to serve in and share that with the community.”

The Open Day on Sunday 19 November at RAAF Base Williamtown will be ticketed, with tickets expected to be available for purchase from late September 2023.

There is no ticket requirement for the flying displays in Newcastle on Saturday 18 November.

Further information will be made available in due course, on the RAAF web site, here.

 

 

CONTACT believes RAAF is deliberately dropping ‘Royal Australian’ from its name – despite Defence assuring us it isn’t true. Campaigning against this name-change-by-stealth, CONTACT has appropriately ‘repaired’ this official story.
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