Michael Bryce to be patron for RAAF’s 75 Squad Association

His Excellency Mr Michael Bryce AM AE accepts patronage
for RAAF’s 75 Squadron Association

His Excellency Mr Michael Bryce AM AE has agreed to be the patron for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) No 75 Squadron Association.

No 75 Squadron was formed on 4 March 1942, crested with the magpie and motto ‘Seek and Strike’. Today the fighter squadron defends Australia from the north, based at RAAF Tindal near Katherine in the Northern Territory and equipped with F/A-18 Hornets.

Mr Bryce said he was proud to accept the honour of patron for the 75 Squadron Association.

“This distinguished fighter squadron has served Australia at home and abroad for nearly 70 years,” Mr Bryce said.

“No 75 Squadron has played a vital role in protecting Australia’s interests throughout our proud nation’s aviation and war history. I am truly honoured the association has invited me to be their patron.”

2012, marks the 70th anniversary of this great fighter squadron.

No 75 Squadron fought in the Battle for Australia defending Australia’s northern approach from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.

With 25 Kittyhawk fighters and only nine days to prepare themselves, 75 Squadron was on its way north to fight back against the Imperial Japanese forces.

“I am, like many Australians, eternally grateful for the brave resistance that 75 Squadron Kittyhawks put up against the Japanese, and equally proud of the role that 75 Squadron plays at Tindal, safeguarding our skies,” Mr Bryce said.

“The unique history of the squadron makes it a symbol of the story of the RAAF, and its actions and deeds are legendary in Australia’s wartime diary.”

In 2003, 75 Squadron deployed 14 F/A-18 Hornets and about 250 airmen and airwomen to Iraq for Operation Falconer in support of the US-led Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The following year the squadron received a meritorious unit citation for its achievements in Iraq.

Through the professionalism and dedication of its members 75 Squadron has demonstrated its ability to reliably hit hard when required during combat. This proud legacy has been built over the years through the commitment of generations of officers, airmen and airwomen having served within 75 Squadron. It is a history the current members are extremely proud of and continue to build upon today where 75 Squadron members are “once a Magpie, always a Magpie”.

Mr Bryce has strong ties with the Australian Defence Force having served five years in the Air Training Corps before joining the RAAF Reserves as an Intelligence Officer.

Serving from 1956 to 1970, Mr Bryce also performed an appointment as honorary Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Queensland. He was awarded the Air Efficiency Award (AE) in 1970.

ends