3 Squadron ANZAC Day around the World 2025

ANZAC Day fell on an exercise deployment period for 3SQN – but that did not stop our best representation across Australia and abroad. The Squadron footprint in Australia included the broader Newcastle area, Sydney, and Brisbane. Internationally we represented in Hawaii, Nevada and California. Of note, the Australia representation in California, San Diego aboard the USS Midway is strong – some 300 Aussies and Kiwis met for a remarkable service, including an Aus Romeo flyover.

1) LONDON

Former CO3, and now Head of Australian Defence Staff London, Air Commodore Matthew Harper [centre].

2) RAYMOND TERRACE NSW

3SQN provided a Catafalque Party (“Tomb Guardians”) for the local ANZAC commemorations.

3) PERTH

The Association Banner proudly displayed in sunny W.A.!
The West Freo Yacht Club also hosted their usual excellent ANZAC Day lunch and races.

4) SAN DIEGO - "USS Midway" Memorial Museum.

5) RICHMOND 13 APRIL

RICHMOND PILGRIMAGE: 13 April 2025 SPECIAL COMMEMORATION:
- Centenary of 3SQN founding Richmond RAAF Base AND 85th Anniversary of 3SQN “Marching Out” to WW2.
We had lovely weather for the inaugural display of our new plaques on the 3SQN Memorial and wreath-laying.
Around 40 attendees gathered, including 3SQN Association, 450 SQN Association and serving personnel from 3SQN Williamtown and RAAF Richmond. All much appreciated. The Chapel service was led by Chaplain Allen PIPES.
Prompted by the new plaques, James Oglethorpe gave a historical talk on 3SQN’s combat roles in the Malayan Emergency (1958-60) and the Indonesian Confrontation (1963-66). CO3 WGCDR “Buster” BIELE (an OKRA veteran, with three other OKRA veterans in the Williamtown contingent) then gave a very interesting explanation of 3SQN’s Classic Hornet combat ops in Operation OKRA (2016). WGCDR Michael STUART-WATT reflected on the history of the last 85 years of RAAF Richmond. Lunch was an “Al Fresco” picnic in the shaded courtyard of the Richmond Officer’s Mess, with lots of hearty fare, the odd drink and plenty of lively conversation. The text of our “Foundation” plaque is shown below: