Air Force News Editor Evana Ho looks back at five memorable stories from 2024.
Each year, our exceptional military public affairs officers, military reporters, imagery specialists and other personnel apply their talents to tell stories about Defence activities, capability and people. The following represent some of the biggest activities Air Force took part in, remembrances of meaningful events, and an example of a newly acquired capability that will help to prevent injury.
Exercise Pitch Black
The August 15 edition of Air Force News featured a possible first in the history of the newspaper: a cover that was entirely hand-drawn comics. The illustrations were the work of French artist Lapin, who documented Exercise Pitch Black in fineliner and watercolours. The highlight of this edition was a wrap-up of Pitch Black; the largest ADF exercise in 2024.
'The feedback from all international partners and our own people alike was that Exercise Pitch Black 24 was a world-class air combat training activity.'
Read the story in Air Force News
Long Live
A tragic event 25 years ago has forever tied the legacy of 6 Squadron to a remote Malaysian island. In 1999, an F-111G crashed on Pulai Aur while on exercise. This year, a group of family and close friends of the two aviators who perished trekked to the crash site to pay respects and clean the memorial.
'They have not been forgotten and this chance to hold a memorial 25 years on is significant and important to the families and Air Force community.'
Read the story in Air Force News
Around Australia in 44 days
One hundred years to the day after two Air Force pilots first circumnavigated Australia by seaplane, adventurer Michael Smith set off to re-create the feat. Michael was supported by Air Force, who gave him a warm send-off from RAAF Base Point Cook, and offered a warm welcome when he touched down at RAAF Base Williams 44 days later.
'It's so important to recognise the mechanised apparatus that made Australian life possible. Still today there are towns where their mail and milk are delivered by plane.'
Read the stories online here and here
New exosuit helps lighten the load
This story about an exosuit being rolled out in parts of Air Force that reduces muscle fatigue and strain by 40 per cent made waves. It significantly raised the profile of this commercially-acquired product within the ADF and beyond and generated interest in other quarters to also adopt this piece of kit.
'I was sceptical at first, but once I had it properly fitted, I was really surprised at how much pressure it relieved from my lower back.'
Read the story online
High energy
This year had its share of firsts for Air Force. A notable one occurred when RAAF combat aircraft deployed to India in support of a multinational exercise there for the first time. Tarang Shakti, which debuted in August, was a breakthrough multilateral exercise for India.
'To hone our skills and cooperate in a meaningful manner across all conducted mission sets.'
Read the story online
