RAAF Base Richmond
Encyclopedia
RAAF Base Richmond is one of Australia's oldest and largest air force
bases. It is located within the City of Hawkesbury
in the north-western fringe of Sydney
, New South Wales, between the towns of Windsor
and Richmond
. The base is home to the Royal Australian Air Force
's transport headquarters, Air Lift Group
, and its major operational formations, Nos. 84
and 86 Wings
. The main aircraft type operated at the base is the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. Richmond is a regular venue for air shows, and has at various times been mooted as a site for Sydney's proposed second international airport
.
Sited on a piece of land originally known as Ham Common, Richmond became an RAAF base in 1925. Its inaugural commander was Flight Lieutenant (later Squadron Leader) Frank Lukis
, who also led the base's first flying unit, No. 3 Squadron
. Many other squadrons were formed at Richmond in the ensuing years, as well as a separate Station Headquarters and No. 2 Aircraft Depot in 1936. The base expanded further during World War II
, with more squadrons and other units being established there, including No. 1 (Fighter) Wing
and No. 3 RAAF Hospital. It was not until after the war that it became the RAAF's transport hub, with the arrival of No. 86 Wing
and its complement of C-47 Dakotas. The base began operating the Hercules in 1958, augmented in later years by the DHC-4 Caribou
and Boeing 707
.
A military flying school was set up at the site of the present-day RAAF
base on 28 August 1916, when the area was known as Ham Common. RAAF Station Richmond was established on 30 June 1925 as the fledgling service's first air base outside Victoria. Its initial flying unit was No. 3 (Army Cooperation) Squadron
, operating Airco DH.9
light bombers and Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5
fighters, and for the next decade the Commanding Officer of No. 3 Squadron was also in charge of the base. Among these were Squadron Leaders Frank Lukis
(1925–30), Harry Cobby (1930–31), and Bill Bostock
(1931–33). Headquarters RAAF Station Richmond was formed as a separate entity on 20 April 1936, under the command of Group Captain Adrian "King" Cole
. Other units, including No. 22 Squadron
flying Hawker Demons
, and No. 2 Aircraft Depot, had been established in the preceding months. No. 4 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron
was formed in May 1937, followed by No. 6 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron
in March 1939. Two Fleet Cooperation squadrons were also established, No. 5
in April 1936 and No. 9
in January 1939. No. 23 (General purpose) Squadron
formed in February 1939. As well as an Air Force base, in its pre-war days Richmond was used as a supplementary airport for Sydney
; various aviation pioneers employed it in the 1930s, including Charles Kingsford Smith
and Jean Batten
.
Commanded by Group Captain Hippolyte "Kanga" De La Rue
, Richmond's combat units at the outbreak of World War II
included No. 3 Squadron (flying Hawker Demons), Nos. 6 and 22 Squadrons (Avro Anson
s), and No. 9 Squadron (Supermarine Seagulls
). On 4 September 1939, the day after Australia declared war, the base's first wartime sortie
took place, a flight of three Ansons and three Seagulls patrolling the ocean off Sydney. Richmond expanded to became a major organisation during the war, with many flying units originating there including No. 11 Squadron
in September 1939, No. 30 (Beaufighter) Squadron
and No. 100 (Beaufort) Squadron
in March 1942, No. 54 Squadron RAF in August 1942, No. 452 Squadron RAF in September 1942, No. 1 (Fighter) Wing
in October 1942, and No. 84 (Boomerang) Squadron
in February 1943. A large number of auxiliaries were also formed including training schools, salvage units, and over thirty radar
stations. No. 2 Recruit Depot came into being in January 1940, and the resultant expansion of temporary accommodation resulted in a "tin city" on the fringes of the base. The Australian Army
also utilised the base for parachute training. No. 3 RAAF Hospital was established in October 1940. Following the war, Richmond became home to most of the RAAF's transport aircraft
. No. 86 (Transport) Wing
, made up of Nos. 36
and 38 Squadrons
flying C-47 Dakotas, arrived from RAAF Station Schofields
in June 1949. The wing relocated to Canberra
in 1954, but returned to Richmond four years later. No. 11 Squadron, which had disbanded in 1946, returned to Richmond in 1954 operating P-2 Neptune maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and remained until transferring to RAAF Base Edinburgh
, South Australia in 1968.
Headquarters RAAF Base Richmond was formed in April 1952 to replace the former Station Headquarters, along with a subordinate unit, Base Squadron Richmond, for the day-to-day running of the establishment. The base was evacuated in February 1956 due to the threat of rising floodwaters nearby, the only time in its history that flooding in the Hawkesbury region became serious enough to warrant such action. In 1958-59, No. 36 Squadron began operating its first C-130 Hercules heavy transports, which were augmented by No. 38 Squadron's DHC-4 Caribou
tactical transports in 1964. No. 86 Wing was disbanded in August that year, but reformed in February 1987, under the newly established Headquarters Air Lift Group
that replaced the former Base Headquarters. At the same time, Base Squadron was reformed as Base Support Wing. No. 86 Wing took control of No. 33 Squadron
, operating Boeing 707
jet tanker/transports, as well as Nos. 36 and 37 Squadrons
, flying Hercules. No. 486 Maintenance Squadron and Air Movements Training and Development Unit (AMTDU) were also under its aegis at Richmond. The Hercules, Caribous and 707s became synonymous with disaster relief and emergency transport in Australia and the region, as well as deploying on overseas peacekeeping missions. Richmond was the venue for many air shows including, in 1988, the largest staged in Australia to that date, celebrating the Australian Bicentenary
. The base also staged the RAAF's 70th Anniversary Air show in 1991, the same year that the Hercules achieved 500,000 accident-free hours of operation.
By the early 2000s, No. 33 Squadron had been transferred to the recently re-established No. 84 Wing
, and AMTDU to No. 85 Wing
, while the Base Support Wing had been superseded by Combat Support Unit Richmond
. No. 36 Squadron, having transferred its C-130Hs to No. 37 Squadron and re-equipped with the C-17 Globemaster, relocated to RAAF Base Amberley
, Queensland in November 2006. The RAAF's DHC-4 Caribous, which had been operated for some years by No. 38 Squadron out of RAAF Base Townsville
, were retired at the end of 2009, to be replaced by Super King Airs built by Hawker Pacific. No. 37 Squadron was transferred from No. 86 Wing to No. 84 Wing on 1 October 2010. In the 1980s, RAAF Base Richmond had been strongly considered as a second international airport for Sydney, but no decision was taken at the time. As of 2009, it was the location for a secondary airport preferred by the New South Wales Government, however any decision on a location will be the Federal Government's responsibility.
Air force
An air force, also known in some countries as an air army, is in the broadest sense, the national military organization that primarily conducts aerial warfare. More specifically, it is the branch of a nation's armed services that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an army, navy or...
bases. It is located within the City of Hawkesbury
City of Hawkesbury
The City of Hawkesbury is a Local Government Area of New South Wales, Australia, part of which is at the fringe of the Sydney metropolitan area, about 50 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district...
in the north-western fringe of Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, New South Wales, between the towns of Windsor
Windsor, New South Wales
Windsor is a town in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Windsor is located in the local government area of the City of Hawkesbury. It sits on the Hawkesbury River, on the north-western outskirts of the Sydney metropolitan area. At the 2006 census, Windsor had a population of...
and Richmond
Richmond, New South Wales
Richmond is a town in New South Wales, north-west of Sydney, in the Local Government Area of the City of Hawkesbury. It is located at a latitude of 33° 35' 54" South and a longitude of 150°45' 04" east, 19 metres above sea level on the alluvial Hawkesbury River flats, at the foot of the Blue...
. The base is home to the Royal Australian Air Force
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...
's transport headquarters, Air Lift Group
Air Lift Group RAAF
Air Lift Group is one of five Groups in the Royal Australian Air Force, which is responsible for Airlift and Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities.Airlift capabilities can be classified as:...
, and its major operational formations, Nos. 84
No. 84 Wing RAAF
No. 84 Wing is a Royal Australian Air Force wing. It consists of three air transport squadrons and two training units . No. 84 Wing's headquarters are located at RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney.-References:*...
and 86 Wings
No. 86 Wing RAAF
No. 86 Wing is a Royal Australian Air Force transport wing. Coming under the aegis of Air Lift Group, it is headquartered at RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales. The wing comprises No. 36 Squadron, operating Boeing C-17 Globemasters, and No. 38 Squadron, flying Beechcraft Super King Airs...
. The main aircraft type operated at the base is the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. Richmond is a regular venue for air shows, and has at various times been mooted as a site for Sydney's proposed second international airport
Second Sydney Airport
The Second Sydney Airport is an ongoing proposition for another airport to supplement or replace the existing Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney, Australia...
.
Sited on a piece of land originally known as Ham Common, Richmond became an RAAF base in 1925. Its inaugural commander was Flight Lieutenant (later Squadron Leader) Frank Lukis
Frank Lukis
Air Commodore Francis William Fellowes Lukis, CBE was a senior commander in the Royal Australian Air Force . A veteran of World War I, he first saw combat as a soldier in the Australian Imperial Force at Gallipoli...
, who also led the base's first flying unit, No. 3 Squadron
No. 3 Squadron RAAF
No. 3 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force fighter squadron. It was first formed in 1916 and currently operates F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle, New South Wales.-World War I:...
. Many other squadrons were formed at Richmond in the ensuing years, as well as a separate Station Headquarters and No. 2 Aircraft Depot in 1936. The base expanded further during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, with more squadrons and other units being established there, including No. 1 (Fighter) Wing
No. 1 Wing RAAF
No. 1 Wing was an Australian Flying Corps and Royal Australian Air Force wing active during World War I and World War II. The wing was established on 1 September 1917 as the 1st Training Wing and commanded the AFC's pilot training squadrons in England until April 1919, when it was...
and No. 3 RAAF Hospital. It was not until after the war that it became the RAAF's transport hub, with the arrival of No. 86 Wing
No. 86 Wing RAAF
No. 86 Wing is a Royal Australian Air Force transport wing. Coming under the aegis of Air Lift Group, it is headquartered at RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales. The wing comprises No. 36 Squadron, operating Boeing C-17 Globemasters, and No. 38 Squadron, flying Beechcraft Super King Airs...
and its complement of C-47 Dakotas. The base began operating the Hercules in 1958, augmented in later years by the DHC-4 Caribou
De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou
The de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou is a Canadian-designed and produced specialized cargo aircraft with short takeoff and landing capability...
and Boeing 707
Boeing 707
The Boeing 707 is a four-engine narrow-body commercial passenger jet airliner developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. Its name is most commonly pronounced as "Seven Oh Seven". The first airline to operate the 707 was Pan American World Airways, inaugurating the type's first commercial flight on...
.
History
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...
base on 28 August 1916, when the area was known as Ham Common. RAAF Station Richmond was established on 30 June 1925 as the fledgling service's first air base outside Victoria. Its initial flying unit was No. 3 (Army Cooperation) Squadron
No. 3 Squadron RAAF
No. 3 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force fighter squadron. It was first formed in 1916 and currently operates F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle, New South Wales.-World War I:...
, operating Airco DH.9
Airco DH.9
The Airco DH.9 - also known after 1920 as the de Havilland DH.9 - was a British bomber used in the First World War...
light bombers and Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5
Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5
The Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 was a British biplane fighter aircraft of the First World War. Although the first examples reached the Western Front before the Sopwith Camel and it had a much better overall performance, problems with its Hispano-Suiza engine, particularly the geared-output H-S...
fighters, and for the next decade the Commanding Officer of No. 3 Squadron was also in charge of the base. Among these were Squadron Leaders Frank Lukis
Frank Lukis
Air Commodore Francis William Fellowes Lukis, CBE was a senior commander in the Royal Australian Air Force . A veteran of World War I, he first saw combat as a soldier in the Australian Imperial Force at Gallipoli...
(1925–30), Harry Cobby (1930–31), and Bill Bostock
William Bostock
Air Vice Marshal William Dowling Bostock CB, DSO, OBE was a senior commander in the Royal Australian Air Force. During World War II he led RAAF Command, the Air Force's main operational formation, with responsibility for the defence of Australia and air offensives against Japanese targets in the...
(1931–33). Headquarters RAAF Station Richmond was formed as a separate entity on 20 April 1936, under the command of Group Captain Adrian "King" Cole
Adrian Cole (RAAF officer)
Air Vice Marshal Adrian Lindley Trevor Cole, CBE, DSO, MC, DFC was a senior commander in the Royal Australian Air Force . Joining the army at the outbreak of World War I, he transferred to the Australian Flying Corps in 1916 and flew with No. 1 Squadron in the Middle East and No. 2...
. Other units, including No. 22 Squadron
No. 22 Squadron RAAF
No. 22 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force mixed regular and reserve squadron that provides support for the RAAF in the Sydney region. Formed in 1936, the squadron served in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War, and later followed the Pacific war as far as the Philippines...
flying Hawker Demons
Hawker Hart
The Hawker Hart was a British two-seater biplane light bomber of the Royal Air Force , which had a prominent role during the RAF's inter-war period. The Hart was designed during the 1920s by Sydney Camm and built by Hawker Aircraft...
, and No. 2 Aircraft Depot, had been established in the preceding months. No. 4 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron
No. 4 Squadron RAAF
No. 4 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force squadron responsible for training forward air controllers. The squadron was previously a fighter and army co-operation unit active in both World War I and World War II.-World War I:...
was formed in May 1937, followed by No. 6 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron
No. 6 Squadron RAAF
No. 6 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force training and bomber squadron. The squadron was first formed in 1917 and served as a training unit based in England during World War I. It was disbanded in 1919 but re-formed at the start of 1939...
in March 1939. Two Fleet Cooperation squadrons were also established, No. 5
No. 5 Squadron RAAF
No. 5 Squadron was a Royal Australian Air Force training, army co-operation and helicopter squadron. The Squadron was first formed in 1917 and was disbanded in December 1989.-Squadron history:...
in April 1936 and No. 9
No. 9 Squadron RAAF
No. 9 Squadron was a unit of the Royal Australian Air Force. The Squadron saw active service in World War II and the Vietnam War before being disbanded in 1989.-Fleet co-operation:...
in January 1939. No. 23 (General purpose) Squadron
No. 23 Squadron RAAF
No. 23 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force is a non-flying base operations and training squadron headquartered at RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, Queensland. The Squadron was formed in 1937 and saw action during World War II as a bomber squadron.-History:No...
formed in February 1939. As well as an Air Force base, in its pre-war days Richmond was used as a supplementary airport for Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
; various aviation pioneers employed it in the 1930s, including Charles Kingsford Smith
Charles Kingsford Smith
Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith MC, AFC , often called by his nickname Smithy, was an early Australian aviator. In 1928, he earned global fame when he made the first trans-Pacific flight from the United States to Australia...
and Jean Batten
Jean Batten
Jean Gardner Batten CBE OSC was a New Zealand aviatrix. Born in Rotorua, she became the best-known New Zealander of the 1930s, internationally, by taking a number of record-breaking solo flights across the world....
.
Commanded by Group Captain Hippolyte "Kanga" De La Rue
Hippolyte De La Rue
Air Commodore Hippolyte Ferdinand De La Rue CBE, DFC was a senior commander in the Royal Australian Air Force . Joining the Mercantile Marine as a youth, he became a pilot in the Royal Naval Air Service during World War I, and was given command of No. 223 Squadron RAF in 1918...
, Richmond's combat units at the outbreak of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
included No. 3 Squadron (flying Hawker Demons), Nos. 6 and 22 Squadrons (Avro Anson
Avro Anson
The Avro Anson is a British twin-engine, multi-role aircraft that served with the Royal Air Force, Fleet Air Arm and numerous other air forces prior to, during, and after the Second World War. Named for British Admiral George Anson, it was originally designed for maritime reconnaissance, but was...
s), and No. 9 Squadron (Supermarine Seagulls
Supermarine Seagull (1921)
|-Specifications :-See also:-Bibliography:* Andrews, C.F. and Morgan, E.B. Supermarine Aircraft Since 1914. London: Putnam Books Ltd., 2nd revised edition 2003. ISBN 0-851-77800-3....
). On 4 September 1939, the day after Australia declared war, the base's first wartime sortie
Sortie
Sortie is a term for deployment or dispatch of one military unit, be it an aircraft, ship, or troops from a strongpoint. The sortie, whether by one or more aircraft or vessels, usually has a specific mission....
took place, a flight of three Ansons and three Seagulls patrolling the ocean off Sydney. Richmond expanded to became a major organisation during the war, with many flying units originating there including No. 11 Squadron
No. 11 Squadron RAAF
No. 11 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force maritime patrol squadron based at RAAF Base Edinburgh. It was formed in 1939 and has seen active service in World War II, East Timor, the War on Terrorism and the 2003 Gulf War...
in September 1939, No. 30 (Beaufighter) Squadron
No. 30 Squadron RAAF
No. 30 Squadron is a squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force . Raised in 1942 as a fighter unit, the Squadron saw action in the Second World War and later served in the target towing and surface-to-air missile roles. After a long period of disbandment lasting from the late 1960s, No...
and No. 100 (Beaufort) Squadron
No. 100 Squadron RAAF
No. 100 Squadron was a Royal Australian Air Force bomber and maritime patrol squadron of World War II. The Squadron was formed in 1942 and was disbanded in 1946.-Squadron history:...
in March 1942, No. 54 Squadron RAF in August 1942, No. 452 Squadron RAF in September 1942, No. 1 (Fighter) Wing
No. 1 Wing RAAF
No. 1 Wing was an Australian Flying Corps and Royal Australian Air Force wing active during World War I and World War II. The wing was established on 1 September 1917 as the 1st Training Wing and commanded the AFC's pilot training squadrons in England until April 1919, when it was...
in October 1942, and No. 84 (Boomerang) Squadron
No. 84 Squadron RAAF
No. 84 Squadron was a Royal Australian Air Force fighter squadron of World War II.-History:No. 84 Squadron was formed at RAAF Base Richmond on 5 February 1943 and was the first RAAF Squadron to be equipped with the Australian-designed Boomerang fighter. In April 1943 No...
in February 1943. A large number of auxiliaries were also formed including training schools, salvage units, and over thirty radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
stations. No. 2 Recruit Depot came into being in January 1940, and the resultant expansion of temporary accommodation resulted in a "tin city" on the fringes of the base. The Australian Army
Australian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
also utilised the base for parachute training. No. 3 RAAF Hospital was established in October 1940. Following the war, Richmond became home to most of the RAAF's transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
. No. 86 (Transport) Wing
No. 86 Wing RAAF
No. 86 Wing is a Royal Australian Air Force transport wing. Coming under the aegis of Air Lift Group, it is headquartered at RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales. The wing comprises No. 36 Squadron, operating Boeing C-17 Globemasters, and No. 38 Squadron, flying Beechcraft Super King Airs...
, made up of Nos. 36
No. 36 Squadron RAAF
No. 36 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. It currently operates C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from RAAF Base Amberley. The Squadron has seen active service flying transport aircraft during World War II, the Berlin Airlift, Korean War, Vietnam War and the invasion of Iraq...
and 38 Squadrons
No. 38 Squadron RAAF
No. 38 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. The Squadron was formed in 1943 and saw active service in the Second World War, Korean War and Malayan Emergency. No. 38 Squadron has also supported Australian peacekeeping operations around the world including in Kashmir and East...
flying C-47 Dakotas, arrived from RAAF Station Schofields
RAAF Station Schofields
RAAF Station Schofields was an aerodrome built by the Royal Australian Air Force between 1942-1944 at Schofields, New South Wales, Australia during World War II.The aerodrome was constructed for use as a satellite aerodrome for RAAF Station Richmond...
in June 1949. The wing relocated to Canberra
Canberra
Canberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of over 345,000, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory , south-west of Sydney, and north-east of Melbourne...
in 1954, but returned to Richmond four years later. No. 11 Squadron, which had disbanded in 1946, returned to Richmond in 1954 operating P-2 Neptune maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and remained until transferring to RAAF Base Edinburgh
RAAF Base Edinburgh
RAAF Base Edinburgh is located in Edinburgh, 25km north of the centre of Adelaide.It is primarily home to No 92 Wing's AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft that conduct surveillance operations throughout Australia's airspace....
, South Australia in 1968.
Headquarters RAAF Base Richmond was formed in April 1952 to replace the former Station Headquarters, along with a subordinate unit, Base Squadron Richmond, for the day-to-day running of the establishment. The base was evacuated in February 1956 due to the threat of rising floodwaters nearby, the only time in its history that flooding in the Hawkesbury region became serious enough to warrant such action. In 1958-59, No. 36 Squadron began operating its first C-130 Hercules heavy transports, which were augmented by No. 38 Squadron's DHC-4 Caribou
De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou
The de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou is a Canadian-designed and produced specialized cargo aircraft with short takeoff and landing capability...
tactical transports in 1964. No. 86 Wing was disbanded in August that year, but reformed in February 1987, under the newly established Headquarters Air Lift Group
Air Lift Group RAAF
Air Lift Group is one of five Groups in the Royal Australian Air Force, which is responsible for Airlift and Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities.Airlift capabilities can be classified as:...
that replaced the former Base Headquarters. At the same time, Base Squadron was reformed as Base Support Wing. No. 86 Wing took control of No. 33 Squadron
No. 33 Squadron RAAF
No. 33 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. It was formed in 1942 for service during World War II. Following the completion of hostilities the squadron was disbanded in 1946. In 1981 the squadron was re-raised as a flight-sized organisation before being expanded to a full...
, operating Boeing 707
Boeing 707
The Boeing 707 is a four-engine narrow-body commercial passenger jet airliner developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. Its name is most commonly pronounced as "Seven Oh Seven". The first airline to operate the 707 was Pan American World Airways, inaugurating the type's first commercial flight on...
jet tanker/transports, as well as Nos. 36 and 37 Squadrons
No. 37 Squadron RAAF
No. 37 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. Formed in July 1943 at RAAF Station Laverton, Victoria, it currently operates C-130H and C-130J Hercules aircraft from RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales. The unit saw active service flying C-60 Lodestars and C-47 Dakotas in...
, flying Hercules. No. 486 Maintenance Squadron and Air Movements Training and Development Unit (AMTDU) were also under its aegis at Richmond. The Hercules, Caribous and 707s became synonymous with disaster relief and emergency transport in Australia and the region, as well as deploying on overseas peacekeeping missions. Richmond was the venue for many air shows including, in 1988, the largest staged in Australia to that date, celebrating the Australian Bicentenary
Australian Bicentenary
The bicentenary of Australia was celebrated in 1970 on the 200th anniversary of Captain James Cook landing and claiming the land, and again in 1988 to celebrate 200 years of permanent European settlement.-1970:...
. The base also staged the RAAF's 70th Anniversary Air show in 1991, the same year that the Hercules achieved 500,000 accident-free hours of operation.
By the early 2000s, No. 33 Squadron had been transferred to the recently re-established No. 84 Wing
No. 84 Wing RAAF
No. 84 Wing is a Royal Australian Air Force wing. It consists of three air transport squadrons and two training units . No. 84 Wing's headquarters are located at RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney.-References:*...
, and AMTDU to No. 85 Wing
No. 85 Wing RAAF
No. 85 Wing is a Royal Australian Air Force wing. The wing is responsible for planning and coordinating training for the RAAF's Air Lift Group.-History:...
, while the Base Support Wing had been superseded by Combat Support Unit Richmond
No. 325 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron RAAF
No. 325 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron was a Royal Australian Air Force ground support squadron. It was formed on 30 September 2008 by combining Combat Support Unit Richmond and Combat Support Unit Glenbrook...
. No. 36 Squadron, having transferred its C-130Hs to No. 37 Squadron and re-equipped with the C-17 Globemaster, relocated to RAAF Base Amberley
RAAF Base Amberley
RAAF Base Amberley is a Royal Australian Air Force base located southwest of Ipswich, Queensland and southwest of Brisbane. It is currently home to No. 1 Squadron and No. 6 Squadron , No. 33 Squadron and No. 36 Squadron...
, Queensland in November 2006. The RAAF's DHC-4 Caribous, which had been operated for some years by No. 38 Squadron out of RAAF Base Townsville
RAAF Base Townsville
RAAF Base Townsville is, along with RAAF Base Tindal and RAAF Base Darwin, one of northern Australia's primary defence installations. It is also Headquarters for No...
, were retired at the end of 2009, to be replaced by Super King Airs built by Hawker Pacific. No. 37 Squadron was transferred from No. 86 Wing to No. 84 Wing on 1 October 2010. In the 1980s, RAAF Base Richmond had been strongly considered as a second international airport for Sydney, but no decision was taken at the time. As of 2009, it was the location for a secondary airport preferred by the New South Wales Government, however any decision on a location will be the Federal Government's responsibility.
Units
Data from RAAF Base Richmond official website:| Unit name | FEG | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters Air Lift Group Air Lift Group RAAF Air Lift Group is one of five Groups in the Royal Australian Air Force, which is responsible for Airlift and Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities.Airlift capabilities can be classified as:... |
Air Lift Group Air Lift Group RAAF Air Lift Group is one of five Groups in the Royal Australian Air Force, which is responsible for Airlift and Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities.Airlift capabilities can be classified as:... |
|
| No. 44 Wing Detachment Richmond No. 44 Wing RAAF No. 44 Wing is a Royal Australian Air Force wing responsible for providing air traffic control services to the Australian Defence Force. It directly commands two squadrons which in turn command 11 air traffic control flights located across the country at nine RAAF bases, HMAS Albatross and Oakey... |
Surveillance and Response Group Surveillance and Response Group RAAF The Surveillance and Response Group is a Force Element Group of the Royal Australian Air Force with its headquarters at RAAF Base Williamtown.... |
|
| Headquarters No. 84 Wing No. 84 Wing RAAF No. 84 Wing is a Royal Australian Air Force wing. It consists of three air transport squadrons and two training units . No. 84 Wing's headquarters are located at RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney.-References:*... |
Air Lift Group Air Lift Group RAAF Air Lift Group is one of five Groups in the Royal Australian Air Force, which is responsible for Airlift and Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities.Airlift capabilities can be classified as:... |
|
| Headquarters No. 86 Wing No. 86 Wing RAAF No. 86 Wing is a Royal Australian Air Force transport wing. Coming under the aegis of Air Lift Group, it is headquartered at RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales. The wing comprises No. 36 Squadron, operating Boeing C-17 Globemasters, and No. 38 Squadron, flying Beechcraft Super King Airs... |
Air Lift Group Air Lift Group RAAF Air Lift Group is one of five Groups in the Royal Australian Air Force, which is responsible for Airlift and Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities.Airlift capabilities can be classified as:... |
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| No. 22 Squadron No. 22 Squadron RAAF No. 22 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force mixed regular and reserve squadron that provides support for the RAAF in the Sydney region. Formed in 1936, the squadron served in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War, and later followed the Pacific war as far as the Philippines... |
Combat Support Group | |
| No. 37 Squadron No. 37 Squadron RAAF No. 37 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. Formed in July 1943 at RAAF Station Laverton, Victoria, it currently operates C-130H and C-130J Hercules aircraft from RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales. The unit saw active service flying C-60 Lodestars and C-47 Dakotas in... |
Air Lift Group Air Lift Group RAAF Air Lift Group is one of five Groups in the Royal Australian Air Force, which is responsible for Airlift and Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities.Airlift capabilities can be classified as:... |
C-130H and C-130J |
| No. 285 Squadron No. 285 Squadron RAAF No. 285 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force training squadron. The Squadron was formed in 1999 and is responsible for providing training to Air Lift Group's aircrew and ground support staff. While the Squadron does not operate any flying aircraft it manages flight simulators which are used to... |
Air Lift Group Air Lift Group RAAF Air Lift Group is one of five Groups in the Royal Australian Air Force, which is responsible for Airlift and Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities.Airlift capabilities can be classified as:... |
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| No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron RAAF Number 1 Combat Communications Squadron was formerly known as Air Transportable Telecommunications Unit . It is a unit of the Royal Australian Air Force.... |
Combat Support Group | |
| No. 3 Combat Support Hospital | Combat Support Group | |
| Combat Support Unit Richmond No. 325 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron RAAF No. 325 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron was a Royal Australian Air Force ground support squadron. It was formed on 30 September 2008 by combining Combat Support Unit Richmond and Combat Support Unit Glenbrook... |
Combat Support Group | |
| Air Command Band | Combat Support Group | |
| Air Mobility Control Centre | Air Lift Group Air Lift Group RAAF Air Lift Group is one of five Groups in the Royal Australian Air Force, which is responsible for Airlift and Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities.Airlift capabilities can be classified as:... |
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| No. 87 Squadron No. 87 Squadron RAAF No. 87 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force air intelligence squadron. The Squadron saw action during World War II as a photo reconnaissance squadron.-World War II:... |
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| No, 1 Airfield Defence Squadron Detachment Richmond | ||
| No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron Detachment Richmond | ||
| Air Movements Training & Development Unit | Air Lift Group Air Lift Group RAAF Air Lift Group is one of five Groups in the Royal Australian Air Force, which is responsible for Airlift and Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities.Airlift capabilities can be classified as:... |