Over 2000 people turned out for the Royal Australia Air Force (RAFF) Base Point Cook Open Day on Sunday, September 1.
The event, which took place on Father’s Day, enabled the defence forces to showcase their capabilities, with displays from the army and air force.
The Strike and Recce hangar was also open for the public to view aircraft including a Canberra Bomber, an F-111 and an F/A-18 Classic Hornet.
Visitors lined up to board a C27J Spartan, the air force’s latest light tactical airlift aircraft. The inside demonstrated how members travel to remote locations, and how they are able to land on unsurfaced airstrips to support humanitarian missions.
With over 300 jobs available, aspiring members had the opportunity to discover what defence careers offer. Australian Defence Force Careers representatives fielded enquiries from young men and women interested in joining.
Wing Commander Rob Gill is the Commanding Officer of No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron located at RAAF Base Point Cook. He spoke about the importance of open days for facilitating community engagement.
“It’s an opportunity for further strengthening the relationship between the base and particularly the more local, immediate community, but also people from the broader region.” Wing Commander Gill said.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people visiting the RAAF Base here at Point Cook today, especially as it’s the birthplace of our Air Force. We love meeting people and sharing what we do and why we do it”
Point Cook’s role is to primarily look after and manage the local aerodrome, but also provide combat training to the Melbourne region, fitness classes and testing to personnel.
The RAAF Museum is open for free on Thursdays and Sundays.
Jaidyn Kennedy
