Colour parade marks milestone for flying-training schools

1 Flying Training School (1FTS) and Air Mission Training School (AMTS) held a joint Colour Replacement Parade at RAAF Base East Sale recently to mark the start of a new chapter in both schools’ histories.

CAPTION: Two KA350 King Air’s fly over a Colours consecration parade at RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria. Story by Squadron Leader Kate Davis and Flight Lieutenant Nick O’Connor. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Ryan Howell.

The purpose of the parade was to formally consecrate the new unit Colours for the schools and to give members of both units the chance to celebrate and reflect on their history and achievements.

Commanding Officer 1FTS Wing Commander Benjamin Sawley said the parade marked a significant milestone in the Royal Australian Air Force’s proud history.

“1FTS was the first unit to be formally established when the RAAF was formed in 1921, and as such, it has been involved in training RAAF pilots for more than 100 years – a proud tradition that continues to this day,” Wing Commander Sawley said.

CAPTION: Head of Military Strategic Commitments Air Vice Marshal Stephen Chappell assists with the presentation of the new Colours during the Colours consecration parade at RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria.

“1FTS has been responsible for training some of the RAAF’s most decorated and storied aviators, and to be able to continue the legacy of such a historic and storied squadron, and command a unit of aviators that have such commitment, pride and professionalism, made the day so rewarding.

“As one of the last unit Queen’s Colours to be issued by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the RAAF, this colour consecration was a significant moment for AMTS and 1FTS.”

Commanding Officer AMTS Wing Commander Scot Bugg said it was both a privilege and an honour to take part in the historic parade.

“The issuing of a second unit Colour acknowledges the long and proud history of the Air Mission Training School and its predecessor units,” Wing Commander Bugg said.

“It was an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contribution AMTS has made to ADF capability through the training of mission aircrew from the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy, as well as those from allied and regional nations since its inception in 1946.”

The new Colours will be displayed in the foyer of each unit, with the retired colours being laid up in the chapel at the birthplace of the Royal Australian Air Force – RAAF Base Point Cook.

CAPTION: Members from 1 Flying Training School and Air Mission Training School colour parties gather in front of the new Colours after the Colours consecration parade at RAAF Base East Sale.

 

CONTACT believes RAAF is deliberately dropping ‘Royal Australian’ from its name – despite Defence assuring us it isn’t true. Campaigning against this name-change-by-stealth, CONTACT has appropriately ‘repaired’ this official story. See here for more details

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