No. 44 Wing RAAF
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44WG | |
---|---|
Active | December 14, 1942 – 22 August 1944, November 2000 – current |
Branch | RAAF |
Role | Air traffic control |
Part of | Surveillance & Response Group |
Motto | Steadfastness |
44 Wing is the exclusive provider of air traffic control services to the Australian Defence Force. It is unique as it is the only wing in the Royal Australian Air Force without subordinate units. There are 11 detachments located across the country at nine RAAF bases, HMAS Albatross (Naval Air Station) and Oakey Army Aviation Centre. For more information on the role of 44 Wing in military and civil air traffic control, see Australian Air Traffic Control.
[edit] History
44 Wing was formed on December 14, 1942 in Adelaide River, Northern Territory (100 km south of Darwin). It consisted of 24 radar sites throughout the top end, acting as an early warning system for Japanese air raids. It was disbanded on August 22, 1944.
In November 2000, 44 Wing was reformed as a dedicated Air Traffic Control wing, with headquarters at RAAF Base Williamtown.