F-111C A8-138 is now on permanent display, guarding the Main Gate to the air base, thanks in large part to Group Captain John ‘Wardo’ Ward who conducted a nine-year campaign to secure the space for the the jet at its former home base.
This long journey began back in 2007 when GPCAPT Ward was the Base Redevelopment Officer, previously an F-111 pilot. He saw the need to reserve a place for the F-111 at the main gate, and he set about turning that vision into a reality.
At the dedication ceremony recently GPCAPT Ward relayed the story of how the F-111 was saved from the landfill graveyard, like so many others, and take its place at the main gate.
“It’s heartwarming for me to see A8-138 here on display and under cover finally, and to see so many people here that share that view,,” GPCAPT Ward said at the ceremony.
“During the early design of the new main gate complex I suggested we set aside a space for the F-111. Then on the plans a square appeared on the plan designating this site – and I looked after it and made sure it didn’t disappear.”
A canopy over the F-111 was a necessity, as aircraft out in the open deteriorate rapidly without continual maintenance, and obtaining funding proved problematic.
“In 2007 funding for the cover was removed, which presented an uphill battle for me, but I did make the case that while we had earth-moving machines on base that at least we prepare the site, and that was agreed.” GPCAPT Ward said.
“Years passed, then on a visit to Amberley, the then Air Commodore Warren McDonald asked me if there was anything needed at Amberley.
“Oh, what a beautiful question,” said GPCAPT Ward. Then in 2015 he got the news he was waiting for, when Air Commodore Scott Winchester “took me aside and said, “Wardo, I think we have funding for the cover and, hallelujah baby, thank you Air Commodore Winchester and thank you DCAF.”