Article and pictures by Phil Buckley.
Stationed near the front gate at RAAF Wagga Wagga, the Royal Australian Air Force’s base at Forest Hill in New South Wales are five retired Australian military aircraft. They are on public display in honor of the men and women of the RAAF, and to inspire community interest in their heritage. They have all been on show outdoors for some time. Several of the aircraft have undergone some level of refurbishment in recent years, with more to follow on those requiring it. The aircraft currently on display include:
GAF-built English Electric Canberra B.20: RAAF serial A84-235
Gloster Meteor: RAAF serial A77-871
CAC Winjeel: RAAF serial A85-403
CAC-built North American Sabre Mk. 32: RAAF serial A94-982
GAF-built Dassault Mirage IIIO: RAAF serial A3-41
A General Dynamics F-111C Aardvark, RAAF serial A8-142, is also a part of the Wagga Wagga collection, but it is currently not on public display.
The RAAF Wagga Heritage Centre occupies the base’s former main entrance security building, which has a unique, red brick design. The museum opened originally in 1995 with various items on display inside the building relating to the history of RAAF Wagga Wagga. It closed for overhaul in 2003, but didn’t reopen again until late 2010, and only after a few years of debate regarding the future direction of RAAF heritage policy. The review allowed the RAAF Wagga Wagga museum to remain. A future works program is expecting to see up to Aus$4m spent on upgrading the displays , which will include getting all of the existing aircraft moved under cover for better long term preservation. The main gate which runs past the aircraft and Heritage Centre will also be moved down the road to a new location. The heritage centre is open without entry charge on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm. The only other current RAAF Heritage Centre is found at RAAF base Amberley.
More pictures by Phil.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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