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Air Force News Editor Evana Ho reflects on five notable stories from 2024.
Annually, our outstanding military public affairs personnel, military journalists, imagery experts, and various other staff utilize their skills to convey narratives about Defence operations, capabilities, and individuals. The following showcases some of the most significant events the Air Force engaged in, commemorations of significant occasions, and an instance of a recently obtained capability aiming to reduce injury.
Exercise Pitch Black
The August 15 issue of Air Force News presented a potential first for the publication: a cover featuring exclusively hand-drawn comics. The drawings were created by French artist Lapin, who captured Exercise Pitch Black through fineliner and watercolours. The standout feature of this issue was a recap of Pitch Black; the largest ADF exercise in 2024.
‘The reactions from all international allies and our personnel alike indicated that Exercise Pitch Black 24 was a premier air combat training event.’
Explore the article in Air Force News
Long Live
A sorrowful occurrence 25 years ago has eternally linked the legacy of 6 Squadron to a distant Malaysian isle. In 1999, an F-111G crashed on Pulai Aur during a training exercise. This year, a cohort of family members and close friends of the two pilots who lost their lives hiked to the crash site to honor their memory and tidy the memorial.
‘They have not been forgotten, and holding a memorial 25 years later is both significant and meaningful to the families and Air Force community.’
Read the article in Air Force News
Around Australia in 44 days
Exactly one hundred years after two Air Force pilots first circumnavigated Australia via seaplane, adventurer Michael Smith embarked on a journey to recreate the accomplishment. Michael was supported by the Air Force, who warmly sent him off from RAAF Base Point Cook and greeted him with open arms when he landed at RAAF Base Williams 44 days later.
‘It’s crucial to acknowledge the mechanical means that have facilitated Australian life. Presently, there are towns where deliveries of mail and milk are conducted by airplane.’
Access the stories online here and here
Browse the images here and here
New exosuit assists in reducing burden
This narrative regarding an exosuit being introduced in various sectors of the Air Force, which alleviates muscle fatigue and strain by 40 percent, created a significant impact. It notably enhanced the visibility of this commercially-acquired item within the ADF and sparked interest from other sectors to consider adopting this equipment.
‘Initially, I was doubtful, but after it was fitted correctly, I was genuinely astonished by how much strain it alleviated from my lower back.’
Discover the article online
High energy
This year marked its share of new beginnings for the Air Force. A significant moment occurred when RAAF combat aircraft were deployed to India for a multinational exercise for the first time. Tarang Shakti, which was inaugurated in August, represented a groundbreaking multilateral exercise for India.
‘To enhance our skills and collaborate effectively across all planned mission sets.’
Read the article online
Which Air Force narratives from 2024 did you find most striking? Do you have a story to share with us for 2025? Connect with us at [email protected]
This webpage was generated automatically; to access the article in its original context, please visit the link below:
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2024-12-23/air-force-flies-high-2024
and if you wish to have this article removed from our site, kindly reach out to us
