Air Force veterans from RAAF Base Edinburgh over past decades recently returned to the base where they served.
Veterans from the South Australian division of the Air Force Association were able to rekindle memories and see how much the base has changed as part of its 70th anniversary this year.
The group enjoyed a windscreen tour of the base that highlighted not just its heritage but also its significant recent development.
The veterans visited key units such as 24 Squadron, Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU), and 92 Wing.
These units have a long history with the base and the veterans had a hands-on tour of a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft from ARDU, as well as the new 92 Wing aircraft maintenance facility.
The veterans also enjoyed morning tea in the Officers’ Mess, connecting and sharing stories with today’s serving veterans.
They all had spent time at RAAF Base Edinburgh in one capacity or another, either at Initial Military Training, or at key units such as 24 Squadron, 92 Wing and ARDU.
Three of those who attended served at Edinburgh in the 1950s just after His Royal Highness, Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh first opened the base on March 22, 1954.
Many of the group had not been to Edinburgh in several decades and were amazed by how much the base had changed. However, they could also see many common buildings, such as the same hangars and flight line, and the enduring roles, such as maritime patrol and aerospace test and development, for which the base has become known.
For 95-year-old Kevin White, the visit was particularly special as he had served at both RAAF Mallala in the 1950s and RAAF Edinburgh in the 1960s and 1970s.
