PHOTO ESSAY

10 December 2018...
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED!!!
No.3 Squadron's first F-35As Arrive!

Off the coast of Newcastle on 10 December 2018. 
– The F/A-18 escort formation was led by WGCDR Jason EASTHOPE, C.O. 77 Squadron (Williamtown);
accompanied by WGCDR Scott WOODLAND, C.O. of 2OCU (in the two-seat F/A-18B from Williamtown); and WGCDR Pete GRANT, C.O. of 75 SQN (from RAAF Tindal in the Northern Territory). 
The two F-35As are A35-009 (foreground) flown by WGCDR Darren CLARE, “CO3”; and A35-010, flown by SQNLDR Red BORRMAN, Flight-Commander of 3SQN A-Flight.  
Darren said: “Not sure who signed-off on the ‘Risk Assessment’ for four Wing Commanders all flying in close formation...”
[Photo: Defence Official 20181210raaf81652332_055.jpg.  Photographer: CPL David GIBBS.]

More excellent pix below, sampling from the Defence Images website
and Aviation Spotters Online.

Fireboats welcome the jets passing Newcastle Harbour.  

The coastal crowds got a great view.  [Peter LORIMER - News Limited]

Our member Maria SIMMS remarked:  
“Yes - I DO like a slipstream…”

 

Mission Accomplished! 
Darren CLARE and Red BORRMAN.

VIPs and V-VIPs came out of the woodwork! 
Pictured above:  Our country’s “MIGs” (Most Important Groundcrew) meet the: Governor General; AND...
NSW Governor; Minister for Defence; Minister for Defence Industry; Assistant Minister for Defence; Shadow Minister for Defence;
Chief of Defence Force; and Chief of Air Force.

 

Darren, backed-up by CAF, shakes with the GG.

Minister for Defence, Hon. Christopher PYNE, MP.

 

Despite the triumphal F-35 arrival, the Government still received little credit from the Press...  
[Cartoon: Warren BROWN - Sydney Daily Telegraph.]