MEMBERS of Mount Isa’s 111 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a Royal Australian Air Force F18 fighter jet when it visited Mount Isa recently.
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Commanding Officer of 111 Squadron, squadron leader David Pringle, said: “It’s not too often that the cadets and staff get to see an ADF aircraft at Mount Isa and it was particularly good on this occasion as many of our younger members and new recruits had not had the opportunity to see a RAAF frontline aircraft before.
“Whilst we do see a number of Army aircraft transiting through Mount Isa from Darwin, RAAF aircraft tend to land, refuel and take off.”
The uncertainty of how long the aircraft would be in Mount Isa lead to some quick phone calls to see if a visit by the Squadron could be arranged.
“Thankfully we were able to quickly obtain permission and with the assistance of Nigel Rieck and his team at Mount Isa Airport, the visit was a fantastic experience for the Squadron,” he said.
He said the visit was particularly timely as the Squadron was undertaking one of its annual recruiting intakes.
“111 Squadron was formed in Mount Isa in 2009 and we are looking for young men and women aged 12 and a half to 18 years of age who wish to join,” he said.
The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is a youth-oriented organisation that is administered and actively supported by the Royal Australian Air Force, and teaches young people valuable life skills and helps develop personal qualities including leadership, discipline, confidence, teamwork and communication.
Activities include flying, field craft, adventure training, firearms safety training, drill and ceremonial, service knowledge, aero modelling and navigation.
“Because the AAFC is an Australian-wide youth organisation, Mount Isa youth have the opportunity to partake in not only local activities but state and national activities as well,” he said.
The Squadron can often be seen at various community events including Anzac Day marches.
For further recruiting information the Squadron can be contacted on 0488572113.
The Squadron parades every Tuesday evening during school terms at its purpose built headquarters at Mount Isa Airport, between 6pm and 9pm.
