No. 28 Squadron was a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Active Reserve squadron, based at HMAS Harman in the Australian Capital Territory. Its main role was public affairs and imagery. The squadron was formed in 1983 and disbanded in 2020.

No. 28 Squadron RAAF
Members of No. 28 Squadron RAAF pass by Civic Square during the unit's Freedom of the City parade in August 2013
Members of No. 28 Squadron RAAF pass by Civic Square during the unit's Freedom of the City parade in August 2013
Active1983–2020
BranchRoyal Australian Air Force
RolePublic affairs and imagery
Part ofAir Force Headquarters
Garrison/HQHMAS Harman
Motto(s)In Response[1]

History

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Raised on 1 July 1983 at RAAF Base Fairbairn,[2] the squadron relocated to HMAS Harman upon the closure of the Fairbairn in May 2004.[3] The squadron was initially designated as an Auxiliary unit, forming part of the Citizens Air Force, but this terminology was changed in September 1983, at which point the unit became an Active Reserve squadron.[2]

The squadron consisted of a small group of Regular personnel who administered the Reserve elements of the unit. The majority of the Reserve personnel were tasked with various base support and other roles including communications, information technology, intelligence, logistics, and planning.[1] From 2012 the squadron also handled most of the RAAF's public affairs capability.[4][5]

The squadron had a flight based at RAAF Wagga Wagga,[1] which was raised in 1988. The squadron also operated the RAAF's hot air balloon until that function was transferred to the Central Flying School.[2][6]

On 11 September 2015, the squadron received the Governor General's banner for 25 years of service.[4] During this period the unit had supported operations in Timor Leste, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Solomon Islands.[4]

No. 28 Squadron was disbanded on 10 December 2020. Its public affairs function was transferred to No. 464 Squadron.[7][8]

References

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Citations

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  1. ^ a b c "No 28 (City of Canberra) Squadron". Royal Australian Air Force. Archived from the original on 17 May 2008. Retrieved 18 September 2008.
  2. ^ a b c Barnes 2000, p. 115.
  3. ^ Department of Defence (March 2002). "Provision of Facilities for the Australian Capital Territory Multi-User Depot" (PDF). pp. 2–4.
  4. ^ a b c "Squadron's service honoured" (PDF). Air Force News. 24 September 2015. p. 2. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  5. ^ Hamilton, Eamon (15 February 2021). "Reformed bomber squadron takes on new role". Media release. Department of Defence. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  6. ^ "Air Force Balloon". Royal Australian Air Force. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  7. ^ "Photograph 20201210raaf8185016_0097". Defence Images. Department of Defence. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  8. ^ Jay, Courtney (4 February 2021). "Banner Day for 28SQN". Air Force News. Department of Defence. p. 5. Retrieved 5 February 2021.

Bibliography

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  • Barnes, Norman (2000). The RAAF and the Flying Squadrons. St Leonards, New South Wales: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-86508-130-2.
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