New arrivals at RAAF Base Amberley in 2016, and those returning after some time away, will notice that the base has grown substantially – in terms of the number of personnel employed there, the increased number of Defence units, and the results of a massive facilities modernisation programme over the past decade.
This rapid development of what will become the largest Defence base in Australia is set to continue with a record number of projects in the pipeline, costed at a staggering $1 billion to be spent over the next few years at Amberley.
About 6000 Defence Force personnel, Defence civilian staff, and Defence contractor staff now work on what is essentially Defence Base Amberley these days, as an increasing number of Australia Army units are now resident on the base. Amberley is now in the Super Base class, and is now Australia’s largest air base. This number is expected to grow to about 7000 over the next three years.
Air Combat Capability
At the ‘sharp end’, the base is now home to two squadrons of F/A-18F Super Hornets, to be joined in 2017 with 10 EA-18G ‘Growler’ Electronic Warfare aircraft to be allocated to No 6 Squadron, which currently flies the Super Hornet. These two squadrons of Super Hornets bring a formidable air combat capability, as demonstrated during the 2014 deployment to the Middle East.
The combination of an enlarged Super Hornet squadron (No 1 Squadron) and the EA-18G Squadron (No 6 Squadron) takes Australia’s future air combat capability to a whole new level.
Amberley is also home to the largest air transport squadron in the Australian Defence Force, with 36 Squadron flying eight of the giant global airlifters, the C-17A Globemaster III. The C-17 is the most visible indication of Air Force presence, as it is often seen overhead Ipswich and surrounding areas on its way to places in Australia and overseas.
Apart from its air support of Australian operations, the squadron is currently tasked to support Australian Defence Force operations in the Middle East. The C-17 has the ability to carry massive amounts of cargo and personnel so 36 Squadron is also tasks with a range of humanitarian assistance missions, including aeromedical evacuation.
Adding to this air transport capability, the RAAF plans to relocate a squadron of 10 C-27J Spartan airlifters from RAAF Base Richmond in 2017.
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.
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 Capability
While RAAF Amberley is geared to support air operations there are a number of facilities and units that help to maintain, train and support the principal air power effort.
An increasing Australian Army presence on-base is being realised, with units such as the 9th Force Support Battalion and 21st Construction Squadron making the base home, to be followed next year with relocation of 16th Construction Squadron to Amberley.
