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The RAAF has unveiled its ‘Worimi’ Hornet, an F/A-18 fighter painted to demonstrate Air Force’s “commitment to indigenous men and women who have served and continue to serve, in the Australian Defence Force”.
The aircraft, which features Aboriginal artwork in honour of the Worimi people, the traditional owners of the land on which RAAF Base Williamtown now sits, was unveiled at Avalon on Tuesday by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown, in front of Worimi elders and relatives of WOFF Len Waters, the RAAF’s first indigenous fighter pilot.
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AIRMSHL Brown says:“This initiative expresses the Air Force’s commitment to embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and contribution. Air Force values the diversity of all our people and this aircraft is a way to recognise indigenous inclusion in a significant way.
“I am delighted that the aircraft also features the pilot markings of the late Warrant Officer Len Waters – Air Force’s first known Aboriginal fighter pilot.”
The artwork was developed by Australian design studio Balarinji and depicts Kilyarr Kilyarr, the wedgetail eagle, the powerful Australian bird of prey.
CAF adds: “Our people are our greatest asset for delivering air power. If we better understand, value and benefit from our collective diversity, the Air Force will be a better organisation where people feel valued for their contribution to air power.”
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Raymond
says:All well and good, however wouldn’t ANZAC centenary artwork have been a more fitting tribute for 2015?
Clinton
says:Looks great.. Reminds me of the 6 SQN F111’s celebrating there 20 years back in ’93..
We should have more of these across the RAAF fleet.
Lizzy Smith
says:Loving this – more across AF – bring on the culyure shift!
Lizzy Smith
says:Fabulous art – fabulous idea – something like this should be on every aircraft our country owns!
Rob H
says:BZ RAAF.
Thoughtful, appropriate and attractive.
Nigel
says:The artwork is great and all but could it not have been saved for an aircraft such as the C30J or C17 as it can be appreciated more that way? I.e. Painting is bigger, fly past crowds slower. Being on the top of a F18, it barely gets seen…
Plus, the whole point of a grey colour scheme on a fighter jet is to camouflage in the sky. I guess there will be arm wrestles amongst the squadron for who doesn’t want to fly this jet in a dogfight…
Smej
says:Great idea. ANZAC is covered as it is the Aussie contribution. Camo is covered as from above it blends with 98% of Australia. From the ground it shows respect and unity with all Australians. Financially it is cheaper than the absorbent grey and for Nigel if an intruder gets that close then many systems have let you down so enjoy it while you can. Well taken Biggles.
Barb Wells
says:A fantastic tribute to our Aboriginal warriors, pst and present. Great work Air Force!
Gayle
says:Beautiful artwork – a fantastic sign of respect to all Aboriginal Australians – past and present – who have and who continue to defend Country.