RAAF Amberley – Defence Super Base

RAAF Base Amberley located close to Ipswich is the largest operational base in the Air Force, employing more than 8,000 uniformed and civilian personnel. Add to this number Defence families and the total Defence presence in the Ipswich region totals more than 13,000 people.

The air base itself contributes more than $1 billion annually to the local Ipswich economy, and Defence personnel and families contribute millions of dollars to this massive injection of money into the region.

As the largest employer in southeast Queensland RAAF Amberley holds a special place in the business network and the local community.

Home to F/A-18F Super Hornet

Since the early 1970s the Amberley base was known for its two squadrons of F-111 strike reconnaissance aircraft, renowned for their intercontinental strike capability and the famous dump-and-burn routine at major events.

Now, two squadrons of F/A-18F Super Hornets form the fighter element resident on base. They bring a formidable air combat capability, as demonstrated during a 2014 deployment to the Middle East.

Take a ride in a Super Hornet here

During 2017 the Super Hornet will be joined by ar squadron of Super Hornet variants, the EA-18G ‘Growler’ Airborne Electronic & Attack Aircraft, taking Australia’s combat capability to a whole new level.

Video about the ‘Growler’ here.

The base is earmarked for continual expansion, with plans to relocate a squadron of 10 C-27J Spartan airlifters from RAAF Base Richmond, and more Australian Army units.

RAAF Base Amberley is now the largest Defence Force base in Australia.

C-17A Globemaster III

The most visible indication of the Air Force presence, for Ipswich residents, is the C-17A Globemaster III airlifter of No 36 Squadron. The C-17 is often seen overhead Ipswich and surrounding areas on its way to places in Australia and overseas.

The squadron is currently tasked to support Australian Defence Force operations in the Middle East.

36 Squadron operates eight of these massive airlifters, and apart from the C-17’s ability to carry massive amounts of cargo and personnel the squadron carries out a range of humanitarian assistance missions, including aeromedical evacuation.

KC-30A Multirole Tanker Transport

Enhancing the combat capability of the Australian Defence Force’s frontline aircraft is the KC-30A Multirole Tanker Transport operated by No 33 Squadron.

The KC-30’s primary role is to air refuel combat aircraft such as the F/A-18F Super Hornet and F/A-18A ‘Classic’ Hornet but it also air refuels the E-7A ‘Wedgetail’ Airborne Electronic Surveillance & Control aircraft.

Watch a KC-30A Refuelling Mission here.

The KC-30 can also carry cargo and personnel enabling a wide range of support tasks for ADF detachments, including current air operations in the Middle East where the KC-30A provides air refuelling for RAAF and Coalition combat aircraft.

Support & Deployment Capability

The base is a huge, occupying more than 350 hectares of land, two world class airstrips and a about 30 military units made up of flying squadrons, support and training units, plus an increasing number of Australian Army units.

The main support squadron is No 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron, which It is a fully deployable unit with the capability to deploy to a bare base and provide all the services to make it fully operational for flying units deployed there.

Garrison management is provided by No 23 Squadron. Its personnel keep this massive Defence base operating, with 24-hour capability if needed. The squadron employs a range of professional airmen and airwomen, and is supported in its role by contractors and a Defence civilian workforce.

Australian Army Presence

The Australian Army recognises the value of the Amberley air base as a secure base for its 9th Force Support Battalion and 6th Engineering Support Regiment, with plans to relocate 17th Construction Squadron there as well.

With access to major highways and two airlift squadrons on-base, Amberley is now the largest Defence base in Australia.