(Image Credit : DG Photography)
F-111 looms quite large in the minds of Australian Aviation enthusiasts, particularly encouraged by decades of air show performances where F-111s would perform ignited fuel dumps, dubbed “Dump and Burn,” which would leave blazing funnels of flames trailing behind the planes that became the de facto most memorable moment of any Australian air show attended by the RAAF and their Aardvarks as well as becoming a regular feature of many of Australia’s national celebrations such as when they hosted the Olympic Summer Games in Sydney in 2000.
(Image Credit: HARS)
F-111 project leader Tony Abela said this particular F-111C, A8-109, which had served in Vietnam, was chosen because of HARS’ strong ties with Vietnam veterans and the RAAF. “For us it was a continuation of our link with the RAAF and our link with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) as well, that’s why we particularly wanted A8-109,” Mr Abela said.
Some interesting coverage of the handover:
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.
My father was Col William C. Coltman (Wild Bill) who flew one of the first F-111A’s and was the 3rd man to received a 1,000 hrs when he flew it to Australia! He always said it was way before it’s time. Deployed twice to Vietnam and was MIA 29 Sept 1972, presumed KIA. His crash site was found in northern Laos and excavated. I (now retired USAF RN 24+ yrs) escorted his remains to Arlington and he was buried almost 30 yrs to the day he was lost! Family, friends, and his flying buddies were there to honor him. We thought it would be closure but inside it was an incredible sense of peace! God Bless You & thank you for your service to your country! Kim
Served in the USAF for 26 years and maintained avionics on FB-111As at Pease and Plattsburgh then F-111Fs at the Heath including 7 months in Saudi during Desert Shield/Storm. Those were by far the greatest years of my AF career. Looks like this “Pig” is in good hands. A bit of irony – Amberley was where my dad got his first exposure to Australia while on his way to New Guinea to fly as gunner/RO on A-20s and B-25s with the 3rd Bomb Group during WWII. Said he had to wrap up in three blankets due to the cold nights.
Thanks for sharing this with us Ryan. We are always looking for great stories to tell.