RAAF Base Tindal

] [cite web|url=http://www.ntlib.nt.gov.au/ntlpicweb/scripts/ExtSearch.asp?SearchTerm=15378|title=Territory Images External Search: 15378|publisher=Northern Territory Library and Information Service|accessdate=21 August|accessyear=2007] Tindal is buried at the Adelaide River war cemetery.

The airfield was later occupied by No. 5 Replenishing Centre RAAF. The RAAF ceased basing operational units at the airfield following the end of World War II.

Between 1963 and 1970 No. 5 Airfield Construction Squadron RAAF rebuilt the runway, taxiways and hard stand to handle larger, more modern aircraft and enable the base to operate as a 'bare base'. In 1968 it was opened as Katherine's domestic airport, being used by Ansett-ANA, TAA and Conellen. The base was occasionally used by units based at RAAF Base Darwin and other bases.

In 1984 the Australian government decided to move the RAAF's fast jet base in the Northern Territory from RAAF Darwin to Tindal. This move was intended to provide the RAAF with a base which was outside the cyclone zone and easier to defend against external attack. After a major upgrade RAAF Tindal officially opened on 1 October 1988.

Since its establishment RAAF Tindal has served as the RAAF's main operational base in the Northern Territory. The base regularly hosts other units for exercises and was used to support the Australian lead intervention into East Timor in 1999.

In keeping with Tindal's role as a front-line operational air base, it is one of the few Australian defence establishments to be manned exclusively by uniformed personnel. In addition, the base has more defensive installations than is common in Australian air bases and can host hundreds of ground troops.

Units

A detachment of two Boeing Wedgetail AWACS aircraft from No. 2 Squadron will be based at Tindal after these aircraft are delivered in 2009.

In addition, the Army's NORFORCE Regional Force Surveillance Unit has a detachment located at Tindal.

Airlines and destinations

*Aboriginal Air Services (Darwin, Victoria River Downs)

References

External links

* [http://www.raaf.gov.au/organisation/info_on/bases/tindal/base_information.htm RAAF Tindal Official Website]
* [http://www.scramble.nl/au.htm Order of Battle] at Scramble