Although members of the Squadron are required to pass the same selection and training as the Australian Army’s Commandos, the Squadron is not formally part of the Australian Army’s Special Operations Command(SOCOMD). RAAF Base Williamtown is a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) military air base located 8 nautical miles north of the coastal city of Newcastle in the local government area of Port Stephens, in New South Wales, Australia. As the war progressed, the squadron also took part in the Huon Peninsula, New Britain and Borneo campaigns. No. 4 Squadron participated in Exercise Havoc Strike from 25 May … 4 Squadron was established as a unit of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at Point Cook, Victoria, on 16 October 1916. At that time, No. ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE IN AUSTRALIA DURING WW2 . No. 4 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force squadron composed of the air force special forces Combat Controllers, aircrew who operate the Pilatus PC-9A(F) aircraft and instructors for the Australian Defence Force Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) course. 278 Squadron, a technical training unit. It comprises Nos. The RAAF’s No. 4 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force, World Wars I & II(Australia : The Compiler, 1994) After graduating nearly 3,000 pilots, No. 81 Wing is responsible for operating the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighters of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). 4 Squadron remained in Europe and, as part of the British Army of Occupation, was based in Cologne. In April 2016, it deployed to the Middle East as part of the military intervention against ISIL. It re-equipped with late-model P-40 Kittyhawks, having received a few of these aircraft while in Borneo, and this was followed by CAC Mustangss and Austers in early 1947. Once qualified on the F/A-18, they are posted to one of No. After embarking for England to complete its training, the squadron deployed to France in December 1917. No. On 1 January 1939 No. It saw action during World War II as a photo reconnaissance squadron, being raised in September 1944 through the re-designation of No. No. This was the only kill achieved by a Wirraway during the war and earned Archer the US Silver Star. No. [24], The squadron's initial task in New Guinea was to support the American and Australian forces in the Battle of Buna-Gona. A score board recording the claims for enemy aircraft destroyed by No. The unit has served with distinction during the Great War, the Second World War, and more recently in the War in Afghanistan. Combat Controllers from No. [8] No. [3]. [17] This continued the FAC presence at Williamtown that had been maintained by FACDU and No. 21 Squadron converted to a non-flying support role, which it currently fulfils at RAAF Williams. 4 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force squadron composed of the air force special forces Combat Controllers, aircrew who operate the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and instructors for the Australian … [2] 11 of its pilots became aces. It was re-raised as a permanent squadron of the RAAF in 1925, and during World War II operated in the Mediterranean Theatre. Controlled by No. 6 Squadron. 75 Squadron or No. 4 Squadron was re-formed again at Richmond on 17 June 1940, this time as an army co-operation unit. Low This article has been rated as Low-importance on the project's importance scale. 4 Squadron was re-equipped with CAC Boomerang fighter aircraft, [28] to be operated in a tactical reconnaissance role. The RAAF’s No. No. [12] Casualties during the war amounted to 37 personnel killed. 4 Squadron RAAF Wirraway New Guinea Jun 1944 AWM 080143.jpg 347 × 341; 15 KB 77 Squadron is farewelling its F/A-18A/B Hornets with flying displays near Williamtown, Newcastle and Port Stephens. The squadron was formed in 1939 and saw active service during the Second World War, conducting anti-submarine operations and patrols from bases in the United Kingdom until it disbanded in late 1945. [4], B Flight is the Combat Control Team (CCT), composed of Combat Controllers responsible for reconnaissance, joint terminal attack control and advanced force operations, doing so either as part of a larger advanced force (supporting the SASR or Commandos from the 1st or 2nd Commando Regiment), or independently. 4 Squadron deployed to Camden Airfield, where it flew anti-submarine patrols as well as army co-operation training sorties until redeploying to Queensland and then in November to New Guinea. It was formed at Williamtown, New South Wales, in October 1942 to train pilots and wireless air gunners to operate Vultee Vengeance dive bombers. 79 Squadron, located at RAAF Base Pearce, Western Australia, is responsible for converting new pilots to fast jets, while No. No. 4 Squadron Boomerang fighter and ground crew in 1943, McLaughlin, Andrew (2009). It re-equipped with late-model P-40 Kittyhawks, having received a few of these aircraft while in Borneo, and this was followed by CAC Mustangs and Austers in early 1947. 4 Squadron (4SQN) Combat Control Team (CCT) has the important job of being the first on the ground to assess the viability for aircraft and personnel arrival. It returned to Australia in March 1919 and was disbanded in Melbourne in June. 4 Squadron ceased to exist, having been re-numbered No. 4 Squadron RAAF Wirraway New Guinea Jun 1944 AWM 080143.jpg 347 × 341; 15 KB 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing RAAF, No. 4 Squadron's Pilatus PC-9s were replaced with Pilatus PC-21s in 2020. A new era for JTAC training". [29] It also operated six Piper Cubs as liaison aircraft during these campaigns. Initial squadrons shown below. It was reactivated in 1960 and operated CAC Sabre and Dassault Mirage III fighters in Australia until 1973. 4 Squadron Wirraway piloted by Pilot Officer John Archer shot down an A6M Zero. In 2006, it was re-raised again as a non-flying squadron tasked with air intelligence analysis as part of the Information Warfare Directorate within the RAAF's Air Warfare Centre. 4 Squadron has operated the following aircraft: [34] [40]. "No. 5 Squadron was a Royal Australian Air Force training, army co-operation and helicopter squadron. 4 Squadron – Exercise Havoc Drop. During its time on the Western Front, it was assigned to No. 4 Squadron based at RAAF Base Williamtown practice close air support serials with PC-21 aircraft during Exercise Havoc Strike. The first three 4 Squadron PC-21 aircraft ferried from RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria, with remaining 4 Squadron aircraft expected to arrive at RAAF Base Williamtown in February 2020. On 1 July 1948, No. 5 OTU was transferred to Tocumwal in October 1943, and then to Williamtown in mid-1944. It was originally intended that the squadron would be equipped with Catalina flying boats, but it was equipped with Short Sunderland aircraft instead. 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