RAAF Base Tindal - Airside Launches during Diamond Storm 2019

The second media event arranged at RAAF Base Tindal, 350 km south of Darwin, during the Royal Air Force’s Exercise Diamond Storm, was an airside visit to capture some Red Air forces taxiing out and departing for the exercise airspace. To have this level of close access is something that is rarely offered to non ADF photographers.

Following a meeting with the Commanding Officers of 17 Squadron RAAF Tindal, No. 77Sqn and No.75 Sqn (seperate article) we climbed aboard our bus and were escorted, after a FOD check on the tyres, out onto the airfield by the BASO – Base Safety Officer. The BASO remains in contact with Tindal Tower so that they know exactly where we are once entering the airfield. Tower does maintain visual contact but uses the radio to us grant permission to cross taxiways or give instructions to vacate a specific location on the airfield if required.

We initially parked mid field but in order to catch the aircraft taxi but it was suggested we move to where we were last year – at the intersection of two taxiways.

A21-25

This location was again perfect to catch the 77 Sqn and 75 Sqn F’A-18 ‘Classic’ Hornets taxi down from their OLA’s. As we were going to be so close especially on takeoff, we had been issued earplugs plus class 5 earmuffs to wear.

A21-25

‘Worimi Hornet’ A21-23

One after the other the mix of A and B models went past including the colourful ‘Worimi’ (A21-23) and the ’77 Sqn Anniversary’ (A21-39) aircraft.

’77 Year Anniversary 77SQN’ A21-39

A21-39

Once the first wave had parked on the ORP we made a dash for the vehicles to relocate back down near the 5000′ runway marker.

The Hornets were positioned facing down Runway 14 and on the designated roll time the pilots let rip – a light cloud of exhaust could be seen moments before the roar of the afterburners reached us.

A21-25

First to lift off and pass by us was A21-25 followed by 114, the ‘Worimi Hornet A21-23 and No. 77 Squadrons latest anniversary livery, A21-39. Looking around I could see a few grins – as expected.

A21-114

A21-23

A21-39

The next wave included some more colour – the 75 Sqn A21-38 ‘Black Diamond’ tail, and ‘Easty’, the CO of 77 Squadron who gave a quick ‘rock on’ to us.

The following waves left in good order including the 75 Sqn CO’s aircraft, A21-29 ‘Top Hat ‘n’ Cane’ which will end up as a permanent display at RAAF Tindal on retirement of the Hornet fleet.

A21-29 Top Hat n Cane

A21-29

A21-35

A bonus finishing off the launches was the two Top Aces contracted Dornier Alpha Jets, C-GITA and C-GLTO up from RAAF Williamtown to participate in the exercise. For a larger selection of photos including them returning to base please view the gallery at the bottom.

C-GITA

C-GLTO

But there was to be a low flypast down the strip for us to catch arranged prior to the jets leaving – sure enough it wasn’t long before two pairs of Hornets blasted past our group – fantastic to say the least.

Beat Up

Beat Up A21-1

A21-1

As they flight climbed out to carry out their mission it was time to hop aboard the bus once more and we were off to the third media event arranged for our Tindal visit.

At OLA 6 a few 75 Sqn maintenance guys were just finishing up on F/A-18A Hornet, A21-30 and had pulled the covers off for us.

A21-30 in the OLA

We were given about 10 minutes to take some photo’s from different perspectives. These photos are always good years down the track as references for those aeromodelling fans.

A21-30 in the OLA

A21-30 in the OLA.

As most media had driven down from Darwin and needed to drive the 3 hr trip back, the PAO (Public Affairs Office) had us board the bus and back to Security to hand our passes in. Fortunately I was able to stay and catch Red Air return to base late in the afternoon.

A21-32 ARDU livery back to base

A21-39 back to base

A21-38 back into Tindal

Top Aces in the circuit

069 – Top Aces Alpha-jet C-GLTO

What a great day and many thanks again to the Tindal based Public Affairs Office for arranging the day’s schedule. Looking forward to my next visit to RAAF Base Tindal.

Sid Mitchell

Photographer ASO