96 Wing has marked a significant milestone - 25 years of service to the Air Force.
Headquartered at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland, 96 Wing's mission is to force generate and deliver combat-ready responsive and sustainable airbase effects in order to achieve Federal Government and Australian Defence Force (ADF) objectives.
96 Wing provides capabilities critical to national defence. These capabilities enable the ADF to project air power from Australia and globally.
Celebrating a quarter-century for 96 Wing meant honouring generations of aviators who enabled Air Force, and the ADF, to achieve whatever was required through enabling the critical bedrock of military operations through air base functionality and support, network operations and security capability - wherever and whenever needed.
Among those celebrating on November 21 was Officer Commanding 96 Wing Group Captain Gary Sadler, who has proudly served the Air Force since 2007.
"96 Wing was my first posting after transferring laterally from the RAF [Royal Air Force], and at that time I never imagined I would one day have the opportunity and privilege to command this vital capability and such a significant part of the Air Force," Group Captain Sadler said.
Over its monumental 25-year history, 96 Wing has undergone numerous structural changes, but one thing has remained constant - the culture the aviators uphold and the motto they live by: 'Steadfast in Support'.
'It is a promise that wherever the Air Force operates, our combat support aviators will be there when needed.'
When asked what 96 Wing signified, Group Captain Sadler highlighted the devotion and commitment embodied at 96 Wing, now and throughout its history.
"Throughout the many changes in 96 Wing's 25-year history, one thing has remained constant: its unwavering commitment to the motto, 'Steadfast in Support'," he said.
"This is more than a statement - it is a promise that wherever the Air Force operates, our combat support aviators will be there when needed."
96 Wing's ability to activate support rapidly when and as required delivers an agile, resilient and highly effective combat support capability - ensuring Air Force operations are sustained during both planned missions and unexpected contingencies.
"In today's era of increasing geostrategic uncertainty, rising regional tension, contested domains and globally dispersed operations, this steadfastness is more critical than ever," Group Captain Sadler said.
He also paid tribute to his predecessors, and to the dedicated aviators, past and present, who have enabled Air Force's air power projection.
"Over the past 25 years, successive officers commanding 96 Wing have built a strong foundation that has enabled us to become the backbone of support for generating air power today," Group Captain Sadler said.
"I also want to acknowledge and thank the nearly 1700 highly skilled 96 Wing aviators. Across airbase operations, network operations and security, they deliver exceptional outcomes for the Air Force, Defence and Australia - every single day."
