CANBERRA’S skies and landmarks have today (March 31) served as the centrepiece for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) historic centenary celebrations.

The second oldest independent Air Force in the world, the RAAF goes back almost as far as aviation itself, with the March 31, 1921 edition of the Government Gazette announcing its formation.

Since then, it’s been involved in defence and peacekeeping initiatives throughout a century of service, and today, a series of ceremonies throughout the nation’s capital honoured its 100-year journey.

In a letter addressed to all members of the RAAF for the occasion, the Queen wrote: “Throughout my reign, the Royal Australian Air Force has shown immense dedication to duty and defended our freedom in many conflicts around the world.”

On behalf of the Queen, Governor-General David Hurley presented a new colour (a regimental flag) to the RAAF at Government House this morning.

“The Queen’s colour is a symbol of the sovereign’s trust in this service. It represents the important relationship between the queen and her defence forces,” said Mr Hurley.

“There is no mistaking the reassuring presence of the RAAF in times of disaster. A fine example of this was splashed across our television screens during the 2020 bushfires.

“Iconic images of military transport aircraft trying to land in zero visibility conditions and the subsequent evacuation of residents is a reminder of the RAAF’s responsiveness to disasters, and a willingness of members to accept personal risk.

“We’ve seen further examples of this service during the flood emergency in NSW and QLD”

“I have every confidence in our Air Force of the future.”

The chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld also attended the ceremony, acknowledging the important presence of indigenous land on which the celebrations took place.

“I’m proud to say that the Air Force represented by our new colour today is ready to meet any emerging challenges our nation encounters,” said Mr Hupfeld.

“Our people represent the gender, cultural and ethnic diversity of our nation bound together through common values and common cause for a truly wholesome purpose.

“The diversity and courage of the Australian people will be reflected by and through your Air Force.

“Our Air Force will out-think, out-create and out-perform any challenges our country faces.”

Following the ceremony, Canberra’s skies were taken to by more than 60 aircraft in a spectacular flypast over Lake Burley Griffin.

The aircraft on show were of both old and new types, reflecting the Air Force’s proud history and ambitious future. Some of these include the Spitfire, Caribou, C-130J, F/A-18 Hornet and the F-35A Lightning II.

Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie said that since the dawn of flight, brave men and women have been willing to defend Australia in the skies above.

“350,000 Australian’s have proudly worn the Air Force uniform since 1921,” said Mr Hastie.

“The Air Force’s motto ‘Per Ardua, Ad Astra’ – or ‘Through struggle, to the stars’ is a fitting for the next decade and beyond.”

The ceremonies concluded with the sounding of the last post at the Australian War Memorial, to honour the service and sacrifice of the RAAF.