DirectorJim Thorn
EditorMargaret Thorn
Business Development Manager
Head of StrategyKerry Smit
Sub Editor
Graphic Designer
ContributorsEric Allen, Bob Bell, Roy i3raybr6ok, Paul Caldwell, Carlo Kopp, Toby Gursanscky, Dennis Newton, Dave Prossor, Fred Baudzus, John Macdonald, Stewart Wilson, John Spiers, Max Hawkins, Gordon Reid, Tony Arbon, Phil! Gant, Stewart Fraser, Tony Self, Anthony Brown.

Issue 41: November/December 1987

The RAAF Winds Down at Butterworth

The RAAF is scaling down its presence at Butterworth Airbase in Malaysia.

From its busy days in the 1970s with two fighter squadrons and their support. The RAAF will reduce to a small, tightly-knit establishment, largely to cater for regular visits by Hornet fighters and F-111C strike aircraft. This means that much of the infrastructure that supported larger numbers at Butterworth will close down.

In fact, the enduring symbols of RAAF presence there: No 79 Squadron (Mirage fighters), No 4 RAAF Hospital, the RAAF School, radio station ARB (RAAF Radio Butterworth), and the RAAF Centre on Penang Island, are on the brink of closure. Their demise is a symbol of the Federal Government’s decision to wind down RAAF activities at Butterworth in line with the progressive phasing out of the Mirage fighter.

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