The "Rebirth of 35 Squadron" Celebration.

RAAF Base Richmond.

7-9 August, 2015.

The RAAF's Alenia C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifters are planned to start arriving in Australia later this year (2015). The C-27J, which is a replacement for the now retired Caribou will be operated by 35 Sqn which was put out to pasture in 2009 (See HERE).

The C-27J complements the capabilities of the current C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster aircraft and uses common C-130J Hercules infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and the cargo handling systems.

The acquisition of the C-27J Spartan will significantly improve the Australian Defence Force’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies.  The C-27J has the capacity to carry significant load and still access small, soft, narrow runways that are too short for the C-130J Hercules or runways which are unable to sustain repeated use by larger aircraft. 

A battlefield airlifter needs to be able to operate in a high threat environment. The C-27J with its missile warning systems, electronic self protection, secure communications and battlefield armour provides protection from threats ranging from small arms to highly lethal man portable air defence systems.

The C-27J was assessed by Defence as the aircraft which best met all the essential capability requirements and provides the best value for money.  It was assessed as being able to fly further, faster and higher while carrying more cargo and requiring a smaller runway than the other aircraft that were under consideration.

It is expected to be operational late in 2016.

The first aircraft are anticipated to initially be based at Richmond using existing facilities however it is believed that 35 Sqn will eventually be moved to Amberley where it would operate with and compliment 36 Sqn's C-17s.

The RAAF has planned a ceremony to celebrate the rebirth of 35 Sqn and to introduce the new aircraft to Richmond and we've been invited to attend.

If you're ex 35 Sqn or ex 38 Sqn or if you've worked on the old Caribou then you're invited too.

This is what is planned.

Friday the 7th August.

A Meet and Greet at a venue to be yet announced.

Saturday the 8th August.

35 Sqn's colours will be brought out of the cupboard again and displayed at a Parade which will commence at 2.00pm and go for about one hour. After the parade both the Caribou and C27-J Spartan will be open for inspection.

The Sgt's Mess Bar will then open at 4pm for cooling refreshments.

That evening a formal dinner will be held in the Sgt's Mess Dining room. The RAAF Band is performing at the parade and at the evening event.

Cost for this event will be $25 per head. The RAAF will have a web site up soon where you will have to pay in advance, once paid you can print out your invitation.

See the latest Update HERE.

Sunday the 9th August.

We are trying to organise a breakfast bar-b-q for sick parade on the Sunday morning and once this is firmed up we will let you know.

Access to Richmond is still being negotiated but the likely plan would be current 35 Sqn personnel will meet guests at the outside base car park opposite the old main gate. They will be issued with a visitor's pass and transported by mini bus down through the new gate to the Tarmac. Officially with the base security at "Safe Base Charlie"  all visitors must be escorted while on the base.

Sad - but that's the way it is these day......

Click the pic below to see the Spartan in action at the Avalon Airshow in 2011.

So that plans can be made accordingly, we would like to know the numbers attending. We've included a form below which we would like you to complete and return to us. You can do it all on-line. It is not binding, all we ask (at this stage) is for you to let us know if you are considering going to Richmond for the celebration.

After the form below, we have included some accommodation suggestions. We've contacted a few hotels/motels in the Windsor/Richmond area and these below have replied to us. Of course there is no need to stay at any of these, please make your own arrangements.

Fields marked with * are mandatory.

First name:  *    Surname:  *

Address 1:  

Address 2:  

Suburb:       

State:        Postcode:                  

Phone:  *     Email:  *

Country (if not Australia):  

I * Will Will not Select one will be attending with my partner, Select one His Her full name is:

Please tick one:

Events I would like to attend:

If you wish to go and would like to share a room with some one, tick the box below. We'll maintain a register of names and if you would like to approach someone, let us know, we'll put you in touch and you can discuss it amongst yourselves and arrange something.

Accommodation.

New Inn Motel.

51 Bosworth Street, Richmond NSW
Phone: 02 4578 0520

Room rate:

• Double queen bed:   $150.00 per night.

• Twin share 2 beds 2 people:   $160.00 per night.

• Family room sleeps 4 people 1 queen bed, 2 single beds:   $200.00 per night.

They require a credit card for a $50.00 deposit to reserve the room which comes off the balance on check in. Check in time is 2pm until 8pm then their office closes.

Book HERE

Hawkesbury Race Club Motel.

1 Racecourse Road, Windsor, NSW

02 4560 4300

Room rate:

• Standard room (sleeps 2 but can sleep 4 - T&C apply):  $165.00 per night.

Book HERE

The Sebel Resort and Spa.

61 Hawkesbury Valley Way  (Richmond Road), Windsor, NSW

0 2 4577 4222

Room rate:

• Standard room (queen bed):  $165.00 per night.

Book HERE

There are many more motels in the area, see HERE

Ex WOFF Loadmaster Neil Avard owns and runs Delta Rent a car in Windsor (See HERE).  If you would like to hire a car while you're there, give him a ring, he'll look after you.  (0418 201 166)

At the end of each week we'll maintain a list of names on our web site of those returning the form above, you will be able to click and see who else is going.

Sambo

The People's Champion.