No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF
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| 2OCU | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Service | RAAF | ||
| FEG | Air Combat Group | ||
| Parent Unit | 78 Wing | ||
| Role | F/A-18 Conversion | ||
| Motto | Juventus Non Sine Pinnis | ||
| Formed | April 6, 1942 | ||
| Base | RAAF Base Williamtown | ||
| Aircraft | F/A-18 | ||
| Callsign | MAPLE | ||
No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2 OCU) is a Royal Australian Air Force training unit located at RAAF Base Williamtown. 2OCU's main role is to train pilots to operate the F/A-18 Hornet. New RAAF pilots enter 2OCU for training after first qualifying to fly jet fighters in No. 76 Squadron. After qualifying on the F/A-18 pilots are posted to one of the RAAF's operational F/A-18 squadrons (No. 3 Squadron, No. 75 Squadron and No. 77 Squadron).
2 OCU was initially established as No.2(F) Operational Training Unit in April 1942. During the Second World War the Unit provided training in a wide range of aircraft, including Kittyhawks, Vengeances, Avro Ansons, Boomerangs, Spitfires and Oxfords. No.2(F) Operational Training Unit was disbanded in March 1947.
2 OCU was re-formed in March 1952 to provide training on the F-86 Sabre aircraft. Since then the Unit has provided conversion training on all the RAAF's fighter aircraft, including the Mirage III and F/A-18. The Unit has also provided advanced jet aircraft training using Aermacchi MB-326 aircraft, though this role is now filled by No. 76 Squadron.
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