Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, has issued a reminder about the importance of remembering the RAAF's past.
The reminder comes ahead of the Centenary of Military Aviation Air Show (CMA14) to be held at Point Cook on 1 and 2 March.
“As Air Force hosts the celebration of the centenary of Australia’s first military flight, we are also focused on maintaining the traditions of service that have built the world’s second oldest air force, the Royal Australian Air Force,” AIRMSHL Brown said.
“Air Force has evolved so much in 100 years, however we must continue to acknowledge the lessons of the past and remember those who came before us.
“Today we are on the threshold of an evolutionary change, with the introduction of a fifth generation aircraft. The first Australian F-35A Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter) is nearing completion and our pilots begin training to fly this aircraft this year. This is not some future dream of capability but a powerful asset for the future” he said.
Tomorrow, the RAAF marks 100 years of military aviation in Australia, celebrating the moment when Lieutenant Eric Harrison took off in a Bristol Boxkite aircraft at Point Cook on 1 March 1914.
RAAF Williams Point Cook is the oldest continuously operating airfield in the world. CMA14 will feature static and flying displays by historic and contemporary aircraft, highlighting the extraordinary journey from the first military aircraft to the powerful, complex machines of today.
For a comprehensive list of expected aircraft, check the Australian Flying news feed.