RAAF Williams

comprises the two bases of Point Cook and Laverton. Both establishments previously existed as separate RAAF Bases (RAAF Base Point Cook and RAAF Base Laverton) until 1999 when they were amalgamated to form RAAF Williams. The name was chosen in honour of Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams, the 'father' of the Royal Australian Air Force. [ [http://www.rvac.com.au/club-history Royal Victorian Aero Club (2006). Club History] . Retrieved 24 October 2007.]

RAAF Williams Point Cook Base

Point Cook was purchased by the government in 1912 with the vision to form what would become the Australian Flying Corps. Due to the success of the AFC in the First World War, the AFC became a separate service, the Royal Australian Air Force. Point Cook remained the RAAF's only base until 1925 when RAAF Base Richmond and RAAF Base Laverton were also built.

Point Cook is considered the birthplace and the spiritual home of the RAAF. It contains a memorial parade ground which was built in the 1920s, a site which was previously used by the AFC for drill training. Point Cook still has an operating airfield, but military operations are generally restricted to the Museum based there. The airfield is used by a number of General Aviation users, although it is still classified as a military aerodrome. It is the longest continuously operating military aerodrome in the world.

RAAF Williams Point Cook base is the home of the RAAF College including Officers Training School (OTS) and the RAAF Museum. All administrative functions are located at the Laverton base, and there is a single mess service (Officers Mess Annexe) which provides a meal service to all personnel, and a bar service to OTS students only.

RAAF Williams Laverton Base

Laverton is the third oldest RAAF base, being built at the same time as RAAF Base Richmond, which was opened slightly before Laverton. Laverton is the home of Headquarters Air Force Training Group (formerly Training Command). It also contains all the administrative functions of RAAF Williams. Other units at Laverton are the ADF School of Languages, Defence International Training Centre (DITC), Director General Technical Airworthiness, No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron (RAAF Active Reserve) and a number of smaller sub-units. It also hosts an element of 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment, Australian Army Reserve.

Laverton's airfield was decommissioned in the early 1990s. In early 2007 the Victorian State Government gave approval for the land that was formally the Laverton airfield and runway to be developed into the new suburb of [http://www.cedarwoods.com.au/laverton/index.asp Williams Landing.] Three areas totalling 55ha have been set aside for conservation and are managed in accordance with a management plan. Williams Landing will be developed into a Transit-oriented development, major activity centre and employment node. As well as being a major activity centre and employment node, there will also be four residential neighbourhoods each with their own distinctive character. Construction of Williams Landing is due to commence in late 2007 and is due for completion by 2025.

Units

Other activities

In 1948 the Australian Grand Prix was held on a racetrack mapped out on the runways and support roads of the Point Cook airfield. The race was won by Frank Pratt driving a BMW 328.

The RAAF Museum is located at Point Cook and has a large collection of ex-RAAF aircraft from the prewar years until recent decades. It can be vsited by the public on several days per week.

RMIT University's flight training courses are conducted at its private facility located on the base.

Notes