RAAF Wagga Wagga – CONTACT magazine

Phillip 'Monro' Preuss celebrates his century with his great-grandchildren and 1 Recruit Training Unit members, from left, Squadron Leader Shannon Monk, Wing Commander Jodie Mason, Sergeant Nick Harrison, Corporal Tahlia Stockley and Warrant Officer David Harding. Story and photos by Flying Officer Belinda Barker.

WW2 veteran celebrates a century

08/10/202508/10/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 182 Views 0 Comments 1RTU, RAAF Wagga Wagga, WWII

Nearly 80 years after his discharge from the Royal Australian Air Force, Phillip ‘Monro’ Preuss remains a celebrated member of

Corporal Matthew Johnson watches over a recruit trialing the new fitness test standard Wattbike at RAAF Base Wagga, NSW. Story by Pilot Officer Timothy Sullivan. Photos by Aircraftman Jakob Reid.

Health and Wellbeing News Royal Australian Air Force

Watts new with the Air Force fitness test

22/11/202402/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1984 Views 0 Comments No. 1 Recruit Training Unit, Physical Fitness Test (PFT), RAAF Wagga Wagga

Recruits at 1 Recruit Training Unit are among the first aviators to be tested under the new Air Force Physical

The Thom family at 1 Recruit Training Unit at RAAF Base Wagga. Story and photos by Corporal Jacob Joseph.

ADF People

Thom family the epitome of service

03/09/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1415 Views 0 Comments No. 1 Recruit Training Unit, RAAF Wagga Wagga

It’s very much a case of one family, one Defence for the Thoms. CAPTION: (L-R) Australian Army soldier Private Sharvorne

RAAF School of Technical Training Squadron staff take a group photo at RAAF Base Wagga during the squadron’s visit day. Story by Squadron Leader Kate Davis. Photo by Flight Sergeant Craig Sharp.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Trainees moving as one

12/09/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2132 Views 0 Comments RAAF Wagga Wagga, RAAFSTT

One of the most diverse training units in the Air Force opened it doors to trainees and visiting squadrons alike

Proud recruits march onto the parade ground at 1 Recruit Training Unit at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga. Story by Squadron Leader Matt Kelly. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Katharine Pearson.

News Royal Australian Air Force

RAAF reduces recruit and officer initial training times

07/02/202309/02/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 7229 Views 4 Comments 1RTU, Initial Military Training (IMT), Officer Training School (OTS), RAAF Wagga Wagga

Australia’s newest aviators will receive a modernised and streamlined introduction to the Royal Australian Air Force starting this year, with

Outgoing Commander No 1 Recruit Training Unit Wing Commander Darren Dolan (left) transfers command of the unit to Wing Commander David Borg during a Transfer of Authority parade on December 2 at RAAF Base Wagga, NSW. Story by Squadron Leader Matt Kelly. Photo by Corporal Kristy Watson.

ADF People

Changing of the guard

21/12/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1705 Views 0 Comments 1RTU, RAAF Wagga Wagga

It was the end of an era at the Number 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) as Wing Commander Darren Dolan

ADF People

A family of aviators

16/12/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1354 Views 1 Comment 1RTU, RAAF Wagga Wagga

It was three of a kind for the Rhone family as Aircraftman James Rhone graduated from initial recruit training as

Aircraftman Blair Andrews, left, graduates No. 1 Recruit Training Unit as part of Course 11/22, attended by his mother, right, Aircraftwoman Brodie Andrews at RAAF Base Wagga. Story and photo by Squadron Leader Matt Kelly.

ADF People

Mother and son join RAAF at same time

05/10/202216/10/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 3257 Views 0 Comments No. 1 Recruit Training Unit, RAAF Wagga Wagga

It was a mother and son activity like no other for the Andrews family, as they underwent Royal Australian Air

The water tank mural at RAAF Base Wagga’s aviation heritage precinct. Story by Flight Lieutenant Karyn Markwell. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Adam Abela.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Revamped aviation heritage precinct opened

22/06/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 2245 Views 0 Comments No. 100 Squadron, RAAF Centenary, RAAF Wagga Aviation Heritage Centre, RAAF Wagga Wagga

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Wagga’s aviation heritage precinct was officially reopened on June 8 following extensive redevelopments. CAPTION:

Former chief of Air Force, Air Marshal (retd) Gavin ‘Leo’ Davies, with Aircraftwoman Brooklynn Dowling after her graduation from recruit training, holding the challenge coin the former chief had given to her five years ago. Story by Squadron Leader Matthew Kelly. Photo from Cut Above Productions.

ADF People

Chief and recruit bond with promises, and a coin

31/05/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 3202 Views 0 Comments 1RTU, AWM, No. 4 Squadron, PC-21, RAAF Wagga Wagga

A special reunion took place at the latest graduation ceremony at Air Force’s No. 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) at

Air Force personnel who trained as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme in World War II have been depicted on murals commissioned as part of the Air Force 2021 Centenary at RAAF Base Wagga. Photo by Wing Commander Tony Wennerbom.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Wagga honours Empire Air Training role

18/03/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 2656 Views 1 Comment RAAF Centenary, RAAF Wagga Wagga, WWII

A memorial honouring the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) is nearing completion at the entrance to RAAF Base Wagga, in