100 years of the Royal Australian Air Force

TOMORROW Air Force is commemorating 100 years of defending Australia with an flypast over the Australian Capital Territory, including current and former aircraft.

Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said it was important to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all generations of Australians who have proudly worn the Air Force uniform.

“More than 350,000 Australians have served in Air Force since 1921, and more than 11,000 have died in service,” Mr Chester said.

“When Air Force was established, the fledgling service had just 149 people – aviation pioneers who had flown with the Australian Flying Corps.

“It took great courage and innovative spirit to operate the early aircraft. Back then, aviation was only two decades old.”

Mr Chester said it was a great honour attending the parade at Government House and seeing Chief of Air Force accept the new Queen’s Colour.

“To our Air Force veterans and today’s members – thank you for your service. You can be proud of what has been achieved in the first 100 years.”

For more information about the Air Force Centenary program, visit: https://airforce2021.airforce.gov.au/

Media can access imagery of Centenary activities at http://images.defence.gov.au/af2021, and vision will be available at

https://innovatehub.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/mediahub/ElXlXEvcfyVOjKrgN7afdosBLrei_nT_uVQSDBMorUWC9Q?e=mWE0WQ