Warbirds visit Williamtown

Two of Air Force’s most recognisable warbirds made a special appearance over RAAF Base Williamtown recently, bringing a piece of Air Force history to the home of Australia’s fighter capability.

100SQN’s CAC CA-18 Mustang and Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII conducted a mixed formation display over the RAAF Base Williamtown Heritage Centre, otherwise known as Fighter World.

Flown by SQNLDR Daniel O’Donnell and FLTLT Stephen Death, the World War II-era fighters made three close formation passes before breaking away for individual displays of loops, barrel rolls, wingovers and low-level passes.

CO 100SQN WGCDR Richard Brougham said opportunities to display the aircraft allowed the squadron to connect Air Force’s history with the people and capability of today.

“These aircraft provide a tangible connection to the generations of aviators who came before us,” WGCDR Brougham said.

“Being able to bring them to places like Williamtown, the home of Australia’s modern fighter capability, gives us an opportunity to share that history of Australian fighter aviation while recognising the people who continue the Air Force story today.

"It's also great to get to touch base with the heritage aviation community based over [this] side of the country." 

Following the display, the Australian-built CA-18 Mustang was placed on static display near Fighter World, allowing visitors to see the heritage aircraft up close.

Based at RAAF Base Point Cook and Temora Aviation Museum, 100SQN operates and maintains a collection of historically significant aircraft, preserving the stories of the people and platforms that have shaped more than a century of Australian military aviation.