The local Hawkesbury and wider Sydney communities came together on October 26 to celebrate the RAAF Base Richmond community open day.
Attendees got up close and personnel with several RAAF aircraft including local favourite, the C-130J Hercules, and Air Force’s newest capability, the F-35A Lightning II.
Other displays included the Air Force balloon, military working dogs and static presentations from RAAF Base Richmond’s Australian Army Unit, 176 Air Dispatch Squadron.
The community also had the opportunity to get to know both the aviators and soldiers that call RAAF Base Richmond and the Hawkesbury home. Embedded in the community, the open day gave many ADF members the chance to showcase their profession to those they see every day – families, friends, sports club mates and local business owners.
Senior ADF Officer Wing Commander Todd Yurkowski said that after almost 100 years of being operational, RAAF Base Richmond has become a pillar in the community.
“RAAF Base Richmond has been part of the fabric of the Hawkesbury community since it was established in 1925. The support received from the Hawkesbury and wider Sydney communities is critical to the smooth operation of RAAF Base Richmond, which plays an essential role in sustaining our nation’s security,” he said.
“It was fantastic to host 15,000 members of the local community and showcase some of Air Force and Army’s latest capabilities.
“Our ADF members enjoyed the opportunity to talk about the wide range of careers available and the interesting and varied roles associated with Defence employment.”
As the only operational flying squadron at RAAF Base Richmond, 37 Squadron and its C-130J Hercules have become synonymous with the area over the past 25 years. Many residents see the aircraft daily as it lands and takes-off from the runway.
Commanding Officer 37 Squadron Wing Commander Charles Freebairn said the support from the local community was key to the success of the squadron.
“The members of RAAF Base Richmond, and their families, are part of the Hawkesbury community,” Wing Commander Freebairn said.
“We are very happy with the long-standing relationship between the squadron and people in the Hawkesbury region, and the open day was a great chance to give something back.”
