November 20, 2015
The Gippsland region has the opportunity to shape Air Force’s centenary activities which will occur in 2021, Assistant Minister for Defence and Member for Gippsland Darren Chester announced today.
“RAAF Base East Sale has been a proud part of the Gippsland region for more than 70 years. Generations of Air Force men and women have served at East Sale and become involved in the local community,” Mr Chester said.
“Today’s launch of planning for Air Force 2021 provides an opportunity for Gippsland to contribute ideas. I anticipate many people in the region will have great suggestions on how Air Force should mark this important milestone. I encourage everyone to visit the Air Force website and have your say.”
Senior Australian Defence Force Officer at RAAF Base East Sale, Group Captain Greg Frisina said the Air Force 2021 community consultation period would run until 20 March 2016.
“The vision for Air Force 2021 is a program of carefully selected events and initiatives that will honour the service and sacrifices of the last 100 years, demonstrate today’s highly capable force and foreshadow our continued evolution into the future. In particular, Air Force will use the centenary to inspire the next generation of officers and airmen and airwomen,” Group Captain Frisina said.
RAAF Base East Sale is well known as the home of the Roulettes, the aerobatic display team from Central Flying School. But the base also has a significant role in developing the future Air Force, with the Officers Training School, School of Air Traffic Control and School of Air Warfare.
RAAF East Sale will be the future home of the Australian Defence Force’s Basic Flying Training. From 2019, the base will have an annual intake of up to 165 trainee pilots and become home to 22 new Pilatus PC-21 aircraft.
Basic flying training at RAAF East Sale will be a major boost for the local economy. It is expected to increase the region’s income base by $17-19 million per annum.
Submissions for the centenary can be made at: www.airforce.gov.au/RAAF2021
Media contact
Brie Colley (Assistant Minister’s Office) 0475 962 448
Defence Media 02 6127 1999
