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RAAF Base Amberley

RAAF Base Amberley is the largest operational air base of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), spanning approximately 2,500 hectares and home to around 6,000 personnel, located in about 8 kilometres southwest of and 40 kilometres southwest of . Established during , the base was constructed in 1939 and officially opened on 17 June 1940, initially serving as a hub for assembly, maintenance, and pilot training. Over its history, it has hosted significant such as the F-111C strike bombers from 1973 to 2010 and F-4 fighters from 1970 to 1973, evolving into a multifunctional "super base" supporting air combat, mobility, and joint operations. Key expansions include the Joint Logistics Facility opened in , enhancing its role in disaster relief, international deployments like , and airpower projection. In 2025, the base continued to play a key role in multinational exercises such as Talisman Sabre and strengthened partnerships through initiatives like the sister squadron arrangement with the . Today, the base houses several critical RAAF squadrons, including No. 1 Squadron operating the F/A-18F Super Hornet for strike fighter missions, No. 6 Squadron with the EA-18G Growler for electronic attack, No. 33 Squadron managing the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, No. 35 Squadron operating the C-27J Spartan for battlefield airlift, and No. 36 Squadron flying the C-17A Globemaster III for strategic transport. Additional units such as No. 23 Squadron for base operations support, the Combat Support Group, and the Air Mobility Group underscore its comprehensive capabilities in combat communications, security, health services, and expeditionary operations. The base also implements noise management plans for aircraft like the Super Hornet to mitigate community impacts while maintaining high operational readiness.

History

Establishment and Pre-War Development

The land comprising RAAF Base Amberley was acquired by the Commonwealth Government on 12 1938 from a local farmer originally from , , who had named the property after his hometown there. The purchase encompassed approximately 882 acres in the of Jeebropilly, located about 8 kilometers southwest of . This acquisition laid the groundwork for developing a strategic air defense facility in response to growing international tensions in the late . In February , the RAAF Air Board formally decided to establish an operational on the site, designating it as one of Queensland's largest undertakings of the era. Work commenced that year under urgent wartime preparedness measures, prioritizing essential infrastructure such as brick hangars (including Hangar 76), barracks for accommodation, a guardhouse, headquarters building, and other support facilities to enable rapid operational capability. By late , initial structures were rising amid the expansive cleared land, with further developments like sealed runways following in 1941 to support expanding activities. RAAF Base Amberley officially commenced operations on 17 June 1940, marked by the formation of No. 24 Squadron as its inaugural unit, a general-purpose squadron initially equipped with four aircraft for training, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol roles. The squadron's establishment reflected the base's early emphasis on building air defense capacity through versatile operations. Later that year, on 21 October 1940, No. 3 Service Flying Training School opened at the base as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, employing aircraft and starting with 12 officers and 228 airmen to deliver intermediate and advanced pilot instruction. Initial personnel across these units totaled several hundred, focused on general-purpose duties that prioritized recruitment, flying training, and foundational reconnaissance to bolster Australia's aerial readiness.

World War II Operations

During , RAAF Base Amberley underwent rapid expansion starting in 1940 to serve as a key hub for , maintenance, and operational support in the Pacific theater. Operations commenced on 17 June 1940 with the formation of Station Headquarters and No. 24 Squadron, alongside the later establishment of No. 3 Service Flying School—which trained over 500 aircrew using 54 aircraft by the end of the year—and No. 3 Recruit Depot for ground recruit . Infrastructure developments included sealed runways completed by September 1941, a , water supplies, dispersal areas, and splinter-proof walls added through 1942 to accommodate bomber and transport operations, such as the assembly of aircraft at No. 3 Aircraft Depot formed in 1942. In 1942–1943, the base was effectively taken over by (USAAF) units following Japan's entry into the war, transforming Amberley into a major American staging and maintenance facility with a peak personnel of 2,290 by January 1943. USAAF operations included the assembly and repair of fighters like P-40 Kittyhawks and P-39 Airacobras, as well as heavy bomber support with B-24 Liberator squadrons from the 22nd and 43rd Bomb Groups and medium bomber operations using B-25 Mitchells from the 38th Bomb Group. A notable event was the first mass of troops on 15 September 1942, when elements of the US 32nd Infantry Division's 126th Infantry Regiment were transported from Amberley to in using C-47 transports, marking a pioneering logistical effort in the Southwest Pacific campaign. Australian squadrons maintained significant contributions at Amberley despite the US presence, with No. 24 Squadron conducting reconnaissance, anti-submarine patrols off Australia's east coast, and army cooperation missions using aircraft. No. 23 Squadron arrived in May 1942 for operational duties before redeploying, while Aircraft Depot supported both RAAF and Allied aircraft maintenance, assembling 123 P-39 Airacobras in just two months. Meteorological support was integral to operations, aiding flight planning for patrols and ferrying missions, though specific squadron designations for such flights varied across RAAF units at the base. Following the USAAF's departure in July 1945, full control returned to the RAAF, with Amberley playing a continued role in Pacific campaigns through squadrons like No. 77 and No. 23, focusing on maintenance and logistical support until the war's end. The base's wartime infrastructure, including preserved structures such as Hangar 76, remains on the Commonwealth Heritage List as examples of this era's contributions.

Post-War Realignments and Expansions

Following the end of , RAAF Base Amberley was transferred back to full (RAAF) control on 15 August 1947, after the withdrawal of forces that had utilized the facility during the war. This transition marked the base's return to primary RAAF operations under Eastern Area Command, with Headquarters RAAF Station Amberley established to oversee heavy bomber activities by squadrons such as No. 1, No. 2, and No. 6. In the 1950s and , the base underwent significant expansions to accommodate the RAAF's shift to , including extensions and upgrades to support high-performance operations. jet bombers were progressively based there with No. 2 in 1954, No. 6 in 1955, and No. 1 in 1958. From 1960 to 1973, Amberley hosted elements of Aviation, including the 16th and later the 1st Divisional Army Aviation , which operated helicopters in support of deployments, such as the 161 Independent Reconnaissance Flight raised in 1965. Personnel numbers at the base grew rapidly during this period, reflecting the influx of new units and aircraft; by 1965, there were 1,295 personnel, increasing to 1,875 in 1968 and 2,747 by 1970, driven by preparations for advanced strike capabilities. The 1980s and 1990s saw further realignments, including the basing of the General Dynamics F-111C strike starting in 1973, with the first arrivals on 1 and full operational capability achieved later in the decade, solidifying Amberley's position as a key hub for long-range strategic operations. These developments laid the groundwork for continued infrastructure enhancements into the modern era.

Modern Era Milestones

In the 2010s, RAAF Base Amberley underwent a major transition with the retirement of the F-111C strike aircraft on 3 December 2010 after 37 years of service, marking the end of an era in long-range strike capabilities. This paved the way for No. 1 Squadron to receive the F/A-18F Super Hornet multi-role fighters starting in 2010, enhancing precision strike and air superiority roles. In 2017, No. 6 Squadron introduced the EA-18G Growler for electronic attack missions, further evolving the base's air combat functions. In 2006, the Royal Australian Air Force introduced the C-17A Globemaster III to No. 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, marking a major upgrade in strategic airlift capabilities for the Australian Defence Force. The first aircraft was delivered in November 2006, enabling rapid global deployment of troops, equipment, and , and serving as the logistical backbone for overseas operations. This transition from older C-130 platforms significantly expanded the base's role in and alliance support. RAAF Base Amberley marked its 80th anniversary on 17 June 2020 with reflections on its historical significance since opening in 1940, including detailed reviews of key developments such as aircraft maintenance and post-war infrastructure growth. The commemoration highlighted the base's evolution into a multifaceted operational hub, emphasizing milestones like the introduction of women to the Defence workforce and joint service integrations. On 22 May 2025, a pioneering sister squadron agreement was formalized at RAAF Base Amberley between the RAAF's 382 (part of No. 95 Wing) and the Air Force's 36th Contingency Response Group, fostering deeper collaboration on airbase deployment tactics and procedures. Signed during a , the arrangement promotes joint training, personnel exchanges, and to strengthen regional deterrence and response readiness in the . The base commemorated the 85th anniversary of flying operations on 17 June 2025 through a formal plaque unveiling ceremony, honoring past and present personnel contributions to aviation activities on-site. The event underscored Amberley's enduring legacy as Australia's largest operational air base, with tributes to its adaptation from early training flights to modern multinational exercises. RAAF Base Amberley played a pivotal role in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, acting as the primary hub for coordinating cargo and passenger air movements across allied forces from 13 July to 4 August. This involvement facilitated seamless logistics for over 30,000 participants from more than a dozen nations, demonstrating the base's capacity for large-scale joint operations and sustainable aviation practices, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel.

Geography and Infrastructure

Location and Site Characteristics

RAAF Base Amberley is situated at coordinates 27°38′26″S 152°42′43″E, approximately 8 kilometres southwest of in , . The base lies about 40 kilometres southwest of , providing strategic access to major urban centres while maintaining operational isolation. Originally acquired from local farmland on 12 December 1938, the site spans approximately 2,500 hectares, encompassing former agricultural lands that were repurposed for purposes. The surrounding geography features relatively flat, well-drained terrain ideal for activities, bordered by Warrill Creek to the west and the Bremer River to the east, with elevations ranging from 20 to 26 metres above in the eastern sections. This supports expansive development and minimizes environmental constraints for aircraft operations. The base integrates closely with nearby communities, including the locality of Amberley village, fostering a blend of and presence in the region. Environmental features include several heritage-listed structures from the pre-war era, preserved for their historical significance in expressing early settlement patterns. Notable among these are the former buildings of , originally established in 1862 and relocated within the base perimeter, which highlight the area's transition from rural education to military use during . As one of Australia's two 'super bases'—alongside —the facility supports around 6,000 uniformed personnel, civilians, and contractors, underscoring its role as a major hub for Defence operations.

Runways and Facilities Layout

RAAF Base Amberley features two parallel configured to support diverse operations. The primary , designated 15/33, extends 3,047 meters in length and 45 meters in width, with a sealed surface capable of handling heavy loads, as evidenced by its Pavement Classification Number of 65/F/C/1750(254 )/T. The secondary , 04/22, measures 1,523 meters long and serves supplementary roles in base activities. Key facilities at the base include specialized hangars for fighter, transport, and tanker aircraft, such as the 5,000-square-meter structure accommodating C-17A Globemaster III transports and KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports. Maintenance workshops support aircraft servicing, including a dedicated C-17 maintenance facility and fuel systems repair operations. Fuel depots and administrative buildings further enable logistical and command functions, with ongoing compliance upgrades to fuel installations incorporating new waste tanks and fire systems. The base's layout is organized into distinct operational zones dedicated to flying units, support, and operations, enclosed by secure perimeters to maintain controlled access. This configuration facilitates efficient aircraft movement and across the approximately 2,500-hectare site. Historically, the base held a unique role as one of two Australian sites designated for NASA's Transoceanic Abort Landing (TAL) operations, alongside , until the program's conclusion in 2011. As of 2025, efforts continue with upgrades to aprons, taxiways, and runways to accommodate heavier , including new hangars and facilities as part of broader enhancements. Recent upgrades include a $4 million project in 2024 and facilities for Advanced Growler Phase 6 to support capabilities. These improvements also incorporate features, such as enhanced fuel management systems. The aprons support parking for current units' , including F/A-18F Super Hornets and KC-30A tankers.

Units and Operations

Flying Squadrons and Aircraft

RAAF Base Amberley hosts several flying squadrons under Air Mobility Group and Air Combat Group, emphasizing multi-role combat capabilities alongside strategic and tactical airlift operations. These units operate advanced fighter, electronic warfare, and transport aircraft, supporting Australia's defense commitments in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The base's flying operations integrate strike, suppression of enemy air defenses, air-to-air refueling, and heavy-lift transport missions, with a strong focus on interoperability with allied forces. No. 1 Squadron, part of No. 82 Wing, operates the F/A-18F Super Hornet multi-role fighter aircraft, equipped for precision strike, , and air superiority missions. The squadron conducts training and operational deployments from Amberley, including exercises like Talisman Sabre and international engagements such as Boomerang 2025. The RAAF maintains a fleet of 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets, all based at Amberley, enabling sustained high-tempo operations with advanced and weaponry. No. 6 Squadron specializes in electronic attack with the EA-18G Growler, a variant of the Super Hornet modified for jamming and , enhancing joint during contested operations. Based at Amberley since transitioning from Super Hornets in 2017, the squadron participates in exercises like Phoenix Sabre, integrating with F-35A and F/A-18F units for spectrum dominance. The RAAF operates 12 EA-18G Growlers from this squadron, providing a critical edge in modern air campaigns. No. 33 Squadron manages the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker , derived from the , for air-to-air refueling of fighter and , as well as strategic troop and over intercontinental distances. The squadron supports global deployments, including refueling trials with U.S. F-15 variants during Talisman Sabre 2025 and long-range missions to . With a fleet of seven KC-30As at Amberley, the unit extends the endurance of RAAF and allied aircraft, facilitating operations across vast theaters. No. 35 Squadron flies the C-27J Spartan tactical transport for intra-theater mobility, including troop insertion, resupply, and in austere environments. The squadron has supported disaster relief in and operations like Solania 2025, leveraging the aircraft's short-takeoff capabilities on unprepared airstrips. Amberley-based, it operates a fleet of 10 C-27Js, bolstering rapid response for regional security and disaster support. No. 36 Squadron handles heavy strategic airlift with the C-17A Globemaster III, capable of transporting oversized cargo, vehicles, and up to 134 troops for global deployments and humanitarian missions. The squadron has participated in exercises like ALON 2025 and supported allied integrations at Amberley during Talisman Sabre. Equipped with eight C-17As, it underscores the base's role in and sustainment. Collectively, these squadrons manage approximately 24 Super Hornets, 12 , seven KC-30As, 10 C-27Js, and eight C-17As, prioritizing versatile air mobility to support joint and coalition operations while receiving maintenance from base ground units.

Support and Ground Units

The Support and Ground Units at RAAF Base Amberley encompass a range of non-flying (RAAF) and joint formations dedicated to enabling operational capabilities through maintenance, security, logistics, and technical evaluation. These units ensure the base's readiness by providing essential backend support, including communications, defense, and sustainment services that underpin daily activities. No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron maintains a and flight at the base, specializing in the delivery of expeditionary communications and information systems to support (ADF) and RAAF operations, including and cyber defense elements. This facilitates secure network operations and temporary infrastructure for joint exercises and deployments from Amberley. No. 2 Security Forces Squadron, headquartered at Amberley, delivers close combat capabilities and specialized reaction forces to safeguard airfields, personnel, and assets against ground threats. In September 2025, the squadron received Protected Mobility Vehicles from Army, enhancing its base defense and rapid response mobility across the facility. The Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) operates a detachment at Amberley, focusing on the testing and evaluation of aircraft systems to validate performance, safety, and integration for RAAF platforms. Staffed by qualified test pilots and flight test engineers, this element conducts rigorous assessments in coordination with base facilities to inform upgrades and operational standards. The Strike Reconnaissance Systems Program Office (SRSPO), located at the base, oversees the acquisition, sustainment, and upgrades for RAAF strike and reconnaissance fighter platforms, ensuring technological alignment with evolving defense requirements. This office manages program lifecycle support, from procurement to in-service modifications, drawing on Amberley's infrastructure for oversight. Joint operations are bolstered by the Australian Army's 9th Force Support Battalion, based at Amberley, which provides integrated , , and sustainment services to RAAF units and broader elements. The handles air dispatch, warehousing, and to maintain supply flow during exercises and contingencies. Over 2,000 ground personnel at the base perform critical support roles, encompassing , , and services to sustain operational tempo. These teams, including technicians and logistics specialists, integrate closely with flying squadrons to ensure seamless readiness and mission execution. The base overall employs more than 5,000 individuals across such functions, highlighting Amberley's role as a major hub for ground-based enablers.

Strategic Role and Future Developments

Operational Significance

RAAF Base Amberley serves as a super base within the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), playing a central role in air mobility and reconnaissance operations that support broader defense objectives. As the largest operational , it hosts key units such as No. 82 Wing for and reconnaissance missions, alongside air mobility assets that enable sustained across the region. This positioning facilitates rapid response to regional security challenges, with the base's infrastructure supporting high-tempo activities for over 5,000 personnel. The base's contributions to national defense include critical air refueling capabilities via No. 33 Squadron's KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports, which extend the range of combat aircraft for long-range missions, and heavy lift operations with No. 36 Squadron's C-17A Globemaster III aircraft, vital for and disaster relief efforts. For instance, C-17s from Amberley have delivered relief supplies to disaster-struck areas like following cyclones and to after earthquakes. Additionally, integration of through No. 6 Squadron's EA-18G Growler aircraft enhances mission survivability by disrupting enemy systems during joint operations. Internationally, Amberley acts as a hub for Force Posture Initiatives, hosting rotations such as U.S. B-2 Spirit bomber deployments for Bomber missions and joint training to bolster deterrence in the . It also supports multinational exercises, including Global Dexterity 2025, where C-17 aircrews from , the , , and the conducted integrated heavy lift operations to improve . To strengthen fuel security and operational resilience, the base tested sustainable on KC-30A in 2025 during , marking a step toward reduced reliance on traditional supplies. Amberley's proximity to Pacific allies further enables swift deployments, underscoring its strategic value in regional stability.

Redevelopment and Community Impacts

RAAF Base Amberley has undergone significant efforts to modernize its . These improvements, including enhanced electrical and fuel quality testing facilities, support the base's role as a key hub for advanced and deployment. In April 2025, the Australian Government announced a A$200 million investment to build a new grade-separated interchange at the base, aimed at improving access and supporting operational efficiency. In May 2025, the Australian Government announced a community monitoring program for residents near the base adversely affected by operations, including displays by F/A-18F Super Hornets from No. 1 Squadron. The initiative involves installing equipment at eligible households and holding information sessions, with around 50 locals attending a 2025 forum to discuss implementation and soundproofing options. This program aims to mitigate disturbances from routine flying tied to the base's operational units, such as exercises in March 2025 involving fast jets departing from Amberley. Environmental initiatives at the base include trials of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport using a SAF blend during Exercise Talisman Sabre in July 2025, marking a milestone in reducing carbon emissions for air mobility operations. Efforts also encompass heritage preservation of World War II-era structures, such as the four Bellman hangars housing the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre. Local engagement has been strengthened through (ADF) participation in 2025 community events, including presence at the Planes, Trains and Autos Festival from 3-5 May and the Show from 16-18 May, featuring interactive displays and aerial demonstrations to foster public understanding of base activities. However, concerns arose in November 2025 reports regarding risks from thousands of Chinese-made vehicles, including electric models with potential capabilities, stockpiled just meters from the base perimeter. Increased flying activity, such as air mobility surges during the 13-17 October 2025 exercise involving C-17A Globemasters and other , has prompted notifications to manage expectations around noise and traffic.

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