No. 381 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron RAAF
Encyclopedia
381ECSS is an expeditionary combat support squadron of the RAAF
formed at RAAF Williamtown, NSW in May 1998. It is a fully deployable airbase operations unit that provides airbase-specific operations support and common 'close' combat support functions to one or more collocated flying units at a forward operating base. Effectively an ECSS runs the base support to ensure lodger flying units are able to concentrate on the projection of the required air power to support directed RAAF missions.
To date 381ECSS has assisted in Operations Warden/Stabilize (East Timor), Gold (Sydney Olympics), Relex
(bare base activation to support maritime interdiction operations), Gaberdine (Immigration Support), Guardian (CHOGM
Support), Slipper
(Global War on Terrorism), Bastille and Falconer (Iraq War). These activities have included defence aid to the civilian community, activation of bare bases, support to the UN peacekeeping missions, support to border protection, coalition force activities in the Fight Against Terrorism and the War in Iraq.
381ECSS airbase operations and combat support functions include:
381ECSS's in-garrison role is to provide specialist military airbase operations at Williamtown
in concert with other airbase service providers such as Defence Support Group and Joint Logistics Command. At its 'home' base 381ECSS does not provide all base support services, but when deployed it has the capability (see above) to support a bare base, a greenfield airfield or to augment operations on an existing main base as required, providing all the services to make it a fully operational base.
Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
formed at RAAF Williamtown, NSW in May 1998. It is a fully deployable airbase operations unit that provides airbase-specific operations support and common 'close' combat support functions to one or more collocated flying units at a forward operating base. Effectively an ECSS runs the base support to ensure lodger flying units are able to concentrate on the projection of the required air power to support directed RAAF missions.
To date 381ECSS has assisted in Operations Warden/Stabilize (East Timor), Gold (Sydney Olympics), Relex
Operation Relex
Operation Relex is the name given to the Australian Defence Force border protection operation in the country's northern approaches conducted between 2001 and 2006. The operation was instigated following the Tampa affair in September 2001 and its focus was on illegal immigration...
(bare base activation to support maritime interdiction operations), Gaberdine (Immigration Support), Guardian (CHOGM
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, , is a biennial summit meeting of the heads of government from all Commonwealth nations. Every two years the meeting is held in a different member state, and is chaired by that nation's respective Prime Minister or President, who becomes the...
Support), Slipper
Operation Slipper
Operation Slipper is the Australian Defence Force contribution to the war in Afghanistan. The operation commenced in late 2001 and is ongoing...
(Global War on Terrorism), Bastille and Falconer (Iraq War). These activities have included defence aid to the civilian community, activation of bare bases, support to the UN peacekeeping missions, support to border protection, coalition force activities in the Fight Against Terrorism and the War in Iraq.
381ECSS airbase operations and combat support functions include:
- Airbase operations
- Air traffic control (supported by 44 Wing)
- Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)
- Security, Policing and Investigative services
- Ground defence
- Explosive ordnance disposal operations
- Administration
- Pay
- Personnel support
- Travel management
- Finance
- Welfare support
- Postal operations
- Logistics
- Supply
- Warehousing
- Transport
- Movements
- Air Terminal Services (supported by 1AOSS),
- Fuel operations
- Catering
- Airfield Engineering
- Civil Maintenance and Engineering
- Mechanical Maintenance and Engineering
- Health Support (supported by HSW)
- Airfield Emergency Response
- Medical
- Dental
- Environmental Health
- Physical Training
- Communications
- Base Radio Maintenance
- Base Communications Centre
- Information Systems
381ECSS's in-garrison role is to provide specialist military airbase operations at Williamtown
RAAF Base Williamtown
RAAF Base Williamtown is a Royal Australian Air Force base and headquarters to Australia's Tactical Fighter group. The base is located north of the coastal city of Newcastle, New South Wales in the Local Government Area of Port Stephens. The military base shares its runway facilities with...
in concert with other airbase service providers such as Defence Support Group and Joint Logistics Command. At its 'home' base 381ECSS does not provide all base support services, but when deployed it has the capability (see above) to support a bare base, a greenfield airfield or to augment operations on an existing main base as required, providing all the services to make it a fully operational base.