Flying into the history books with new Colours

November 14, 2024, will forever be an important part of Air Force’s history with 2 Flying Training School presented with a new Governor-General Banner during a Colour Reconsecration Parade at RAAF Base Pearce.

CAPTION: The Reviewing Officer, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sam Mostyn, receives a royal salute during the 2 Flying Training School Colour Consecration Parade. Story by Flying Officer Stina Frantzich Gardiner. Photos by Able Seaman Connor Morrison.

The parade formally consecrated the new unit Colours for the school and gave members the chance to celebrate and reflect on their unit’s rich history and commendable achievements.

Distinguished guests included the Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn, Governor of WA Chris Dawson, Commander Air Force Training Group Air Commodore David Strong and the Officer Commanding Air Academy Group Captain Brett Williams.

As members of 2 Flying Training School proudly stood on parade, guests were treated to spectacular formation flypasts and an aerobatics display as Pilatus PC-21 aircraft tore through the skies above RAAF Base Pearce.

Commanding Officer 2 Flying Training School Wing Commander Jay Tuffley said the day had great importance.

“It was an honour to be a part of this momentous occasion as the Commanding Officer of 2 Flying Training School, particularly as this is my final year with the unit,” Wing Commander Tuffley said.

“The opportunity to take part in a Colour Reconsecration doesn’t happen often and it was without a doubt, one of the highlights of my command.”

CAPTION: Flight Lieutenant Riley Forde with the new Governor-General Banner during the 2 Flying Training School Colour Consecration Parade held at RAAF Base Pearce in Perth, Western Australia.

The unit colours represent a symbol of loyalty and pride, which is to be fiercely protected. The same symbolic nature is instilled at 2 Flying Training School and is paraded throughout the year during graduation ceremonies.

Parade Reviewing Officer Governor-General Mostyn addressed members of 2 Flying Training School and those in attendance.

“I am truly honoured to be with you on this historic day, my first consecration parade as your Governor-General and I am deeply proud to witness your extraordinary sense of service, your commitment to your mates, and your determination to ‘seek the heights’,” she said.

“The consecration of a Governor-General’s Banner is a ceremonial marker of trust in the squadron and I say to you today as your Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief … I trust you.”

The retiring colours were first consecrated on March 30, 1990, and have been paraded in ceremonial occasions throughout the years. Due to their continued appearance in significant unit and base events, they had started to show signs of wear.

As a sign of respect, the retired colours were marched off the parade ground to the tune of Auld Lang Syne and will be sent to Trinity Chapel in Point Cook, Victoria, the home of all retired RAAF unit colours.

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