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Australia Post has celebrated the RAAF’s 90th birthday with the release of an Air Force Aviation commemorative stamp issue.
Four stamps featuring an F-111, F/A-18F Super Hornet, AEW&C Wedgetail, and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft were released on February 22 via mail order and online. The stamp issue will also be available at the International Air Show in Avalon from March 1 to 6. The recent stamp release also marks the retirement of the F-111 after 37 years’ service, farewelled at RAAF Base Amberley in early December 2010.
“This is a very timely partnership for Air Force, as we celebrate our 90th Birthday this year with the theme tradition, innovation, evolution. It is a fitting tribute to the crews and support personnel of the recently retired F-111, as they retrain for our future capability in our new platforms,” Chief of Air Force AIRMSHL Mark Binksin said in a statement.
Australia Post philatelic manager, Michael Zsolt, agreed that the F-111 was clearly “the most identifiable RAAF aircraft for many years and so an obvious choice for this stamp issue”.
New Zealand-based Australian illustrator Jamie Tufrey was commissioned to illustrate the stamp issue, skilfully drawing attention to the speed, purpose and technical specifics of each aircraft. A keen aviation artist, Tufrey was also responsible for illustrating the 2008 Aviation stamp issue. The Air Force Aviation product range comprises a miniature sheet, first day cover, stamp pack, maxicard set, stamp-and-medallion cover (limited edition of 10,000) and a self-adhesive booklet of 10 x 60c stamps.
