RAAF Amberley to be global airlift centre

RAAF Base Amberley is now the hub of the RAAF’s heavy airlift capabilities, with Air Force moving its 86 Wing Headquarters to Queensland.

The Officer Commanding 86 Wing, Group Captain Richard Lennon, who oversaw the move from RAAF Base Richmond,  said that having 36 Squadron’s C-17A Globemaster and 33 Squadron’s KC-30 Multi Role Tankers Transports (MRTT) aircraft at Amberley along with 38 Squadron and the ‘King Air’ aircraft at RAAF Base Townville, made it clear that Amberley needed to be home for the Wing Headquarters.

"This has been a period of growth and modernisation for 86 Wing at Amberley with the arrival of the KC-30 MRTT and a fifth C-17A Globemaster aircraft," GPCAPT Lennon said.

“33 Squadron is in transition as it is still doing test and evaluation of the MRTT. The aircraft will receive its Initial Operating Capability (IOC) at the end of next year."

“When we get to IOC, which is a couple of tankers that can refuel fighter aircraft and carry passengers, the Squadron will be able to conduct tasks and then command will change from the transition team to 86 Wing.”