The sky’s the limit for military aviation enthusiasts and stamp collectors, with Australia Post’s Air Force Aviation commemorative stamp issue.
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mark Binksin, AO, said this was a very timely partnership for Air Force, as it celebrated its 90thbirthday this year with the theme tradition, innovation, evolution.
“It is a fitting tribute to the crews and support personnel of the recently retired F-111, as they retrain for our future capability in our new platforms,” Air Marshal Binskin said.
Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said,“The F-111 ‘Pig’ was, for the general public, the most identifiable RAAF aircraft for many years and so an obvious choice for this stamp issue”.
“As well as indicating the changing of the guard from F-111s to Super Hornets, this stamp issue represents a range of aircraft functions in the RAAF,” Mr Zsolt said.
New Zealand-based Australian illustrator Jamie Tufrey was commissioned to illustrate the stamp issue and has skillfully drawn attention to the speed, purpose and technical specifics of the aircraft.
The four Air Force Aviation stamps feature the F-111 (60 cents), the F/A-18F Super Hornet (60 cents), the AEW&C Wedgetail ($1.20) and the C-17 Globemaster III ($3.00).
This stamp issue is available at participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps from 22 February. The stamps will also be available at the Australian International Airshow, from 1-6 March, at Avalon, Victoria.
Media Note:
Supporting imagery is available at the following link http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/ by searching for ‘stamp’.
Background on RAAF’s 90th birthday is available at http://www.airforce.gov.au/RAAFNewsPDF/90th_Birthday_Backgrounder.PDF
