11 March 2021
Four new Squadron Standards, also known as Squadron Colours, have been presented in time for the Governor-General’s parade to mark the centenary of the Air Force in March.
No. 19 and 26 Squadrons along with No.1 Remote Sensor Unit and No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit received their standards at two recent events.
A Squadron Standard is awarded by order of the Sovereign for 25 years of service in the RAAF or the Australian Flying Corps by operational, combat support, intelligence or battlespace control squadrons and units.
No. 19 Squadron and No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit were presented standards at a ceremony held at Royal Military College Chapel - Duntroon on February 15.
A combined ceremonial parade was then held on February 25 at RAAF Base Williamtown to present and consecrate the Squadron Standards of No. 26 Squadron and No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit, which were recognised for more than 25 and 50 years of operational service respectively.
Governor-General General (retd) David Hurley reviewed the Williamtown parade and officially presented the Squadron Standards to the executive officers of the units.
An E-7A Wedgetail from No. 2 Squadron conducted a flypast.
Governor-General General (retd) David Hurley reviews the consecration of colours parade at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: Corporal Melina Young
Because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, the previous Commanding Officer of No. 19 Squadron Wing Commander Mike Edwards received the squadron's standard from the Chief of Air Force on behalf of the current Commanding Officer Wing Commander Darren Prior.
Wing Commander Prior said he was looking forward to trooping the colour at Butterworth in Malaysia.
“The first trooping of our standard in Butterworth will be a gratifying event for 19 Squadron in the 100th year of our Air Force,” Wing Commander Prior said.
Warrant Officer Gavin Jones, from No. 19 Squadron, said the consecration of a new standard was a proud moment for Air Force members, recognising all the hard work of personnel past and present.
“I am eager to receive the standard in location to present it to current members of 19 Squadron and display it proudly in our headquarters,” Warrant Officer Jones said.
Commanding Officer No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit Wing Commander Richard Harrison said the presentation of the colours was a special moment in the unit’s service history.
“The consecration of the colours acknowledge the efforts of all personnel past and present who have made an important contribution to the unit, supporting its operations for more than a quarter of a century – a significant milestone,” Wing Commander Harrison said.
“It was a privilege to join with three of the unit’s former commanding officers - Group Captains Chris Robson, Tracey Douglas and Peter Davies – as well as the former squadron warrant officer, Peter Ferguson, in celebration of the unit’s service achievements at the historic event.”
The Squadron Standards of No. 19 Squadron and No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit were consecrated during a ceremony held at the Anzac Memorial Chapel of St. Paul, Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra. Photo: Sergeant Rob Hack
