A CEREMONIAL parade and flypast was held at RAAF Base Richmond to recognise the historical accomplishments of No. 35 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during the Vietnam War.
The parade marked the final major event at Richmond for No. 35 Squadron, before it relocates north to new, purpose-built facilities at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, in December 2018–January 2019.
Governor of NSW, His Excellency the Honourable David Hurley, reviewed the parade on Friday, November 2.
During the parade, a streamer was added to No. 35 Squadron’s ‘Colours’ in recognition of it being awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, for delivering airlift during the Vietnam War, between 1964 and 1972.
A unit’s Colours recognise its major operational accomplishments. The tradition dates back to antiquity, when military formations marched behind banners on the battlefield.
Serving as a backdrop to the Parade was a historic DHC-4 Caribou transport aircraft, which is the type of aircraft No. 35 Squadron operated during the war.
Alongside was a C-27J Spartan transport aircraft, which is the type presently in use with the Squadron. An additional Spartan conducted a flypast on the day.
