Boeing 707 End of an Era

With 29 years of service to the Royal Australian Air Force, it will be with a sense of sadness and joy that we welcome you aboard for a first-class function to celebrate the ‘End of an Era’ in Australia for the Queen of the skies herself - the mighty Boeing 707.

Between 1979 and 1987, the Royal Australian Air Force purchased seven Boeing 707s. The majority of these aircraft started their life with Qantas as part of the first commercially operated jet passenger liner fleet to operate in Australia.

In 1979, the need for a greater strategic airlift capability and a long-range VIP fleet saw two Boeing 707s purchased for the RAAF. The Boeing 707 was operated initially by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond, then by No. 33 Flight. In 1983, No. 33 Flight was disestablished and No. 33 Squadron reformed to operate the Boeing 707.

The aircraft have been graced by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, Governors General and Prime Ministers of Australia as well as many other dignitaries and high ranking officials.

1988 saw the beginning of a changing role for the RAAF Boeing 707, with the introduction of the air-to-air refueling capability. This capability has been used to operational effect, with deployments to the Middle East in 1998 and Kyrgyzstan in 2002. Having served the RAAF well, it is now time to celebrate the achievements and memories of the past 29 years with an equally fitting farewell.

So come and join us for an evening filled with memories as you enter the boarding gate to Hangar 522. With the last remaining RAAF Boeing 707 as a back drop, there will be plenty to talk about as you catch up with mates from the past. Watch a montage of footage and photos on the big screen whilst being entertained with live entertainment.

New Information

Payment

If you haven't already paid please do so now to enable the committee to complete detailed planning. Unfortunately we will no longer be able to accept payments after 31 May 08 as arrangements must be finalised. If you pay and subsequently find yourself otherwise committed, the following refund policy is offered:

After 14 Jun 08 we will unfortunately not be able to offer a refund as final numbers will have been committed to .

Transport

As with payments, if you intend to make use of the transport provided (more information below) please let the committee know now such that arrangements can be made. The cost per person is expected to be minimal and there will be no better way of getting to and from the function.

Dress

Some questions have been asked about the standard of dress required. Please consider the minimum standard of 'Smart Casual' to mean trousers and a collared shirt. ie: no denims. You are most welcome to dress at a higher standard at your choosing. Remember the function is to be held in a Hangar in the middle of winter so something warm will be essential.

Please continue to check back here regularly for any last minute changes.

The ‘Hangar Bash’

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Who is invited?

The Boeing 707 ‘End of an Era’ Hangar Bash is open to all current and previous members of No. 33 Squadron, former members of No. 33 Flight, previous members of No. 37 Squadron or 486 Squadron who operated, maintained and supported the Boeing 707, and anyone else who can demonstrate a connection with the operational support of the RAAF Boeing 707. You are welcome to bring guests within reason; preferably to a limit of one to two per person. The event is only open to people aged 18 and over.

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Function Details.

The function will be held on Saturday, 28 June 08 commencing at 1730 with last drinks at 1130 for a midnight finish.

As you walk through the ‘boarding gates’ of Hangar 522, A20-624 ‘Richmond Town’ with her new tail art will present a backdrop to the event. She will be available for a final walkthrough and photos in the early part of the evening. Before her, the RAAF Central Function Band ‘Force Ten’ will be on stage, complete with a dance floor, for later in the night. Take a walk down memory lane on the mezzanine floor through a display of memorabilia and paraphernalia ‘collected’ over the years. Beer on tap, wine and soft drink are included, whilst a selection of ready-to-drink spirits will be provided at cost price. As there will be many people to catch up with and you won’t want to be tied to a seat, food will be served in the form of fine finger/fork-foods which will be provided buffet-style during the evening. A limited number of tables and chairs will be provided to allow you to relax if desired.

 

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Dress.

Dress for the evening will be smart casual with a collared shirt. Remember it will be the middle of winter in Richmond so, whilst some heating arrangements are planned, a good jacket or jumper is advisable.

Registration, ticketing and payment.

If you haven’t already registered please do so by emailing the Boeing 707 ‘End of an Era ’ planning committee with the following information:

  1. Your name,
  2. The names of any guests,
  3. Mailing address,
  4. Contact phone number, and
  5. Details of your association with the RAAF Boeing 707.

Price:

$50.00 per person.

Payment can be made as follows:

Cash:

If you are able to hand cash to someone on the planning committee please feel free to do so.

Cheque:

Cheques are to be made out to ‘33SQN END OF ERA’ and mailed to:

Flying Officer Michael McGirr
33 Squadron
RAAF Richmond
NSW, 2755

Direct Credit:

If you are paying by direct credit you MUST PUT YOUR SURNAME AND INITIALS IN THE REFERENCE BOX such that we can keep track of it.

Please also send an email to the committee advising that you have made the payment.

Your payment should be directly credited to the following account:
Defence Force Credit Union
Account Name: ‘33SQN END OF ERA’
BSB: 803205
ACCT: 20758742
DEFCREDIT Member Number: 3862266 (You will need this if paying from another DEFCREDIT account)

IMPORTANT!!: ONCE AGAIN, PLEASE REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR SURNAME AND INITIALS AS A REFERENCE SO THAT IT APPEARS ON OUR STATEMENT – WITHOUT IT WE CANNOT CONFIRM RECEIPT OF PAYMENT

Regardless of how your payment is made you will receive an email to acknowledge it. This email will be your receipt. You and your guests will then be added to the list which will get you through the gate on the night. You will be presented with your Boarding Pass on arrival at the function.

PLEASE NOTE: The function has attracted considerable interest to date so ensure you get your payment
in early to avoid disappointment should it become over subscribed.

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Getting there and Accommodation.

The ‘End of Era’ Planning Committee is committed to making your attendance at the Hangar Bash as easy and enjoyable as possible. We have therefore compiled a list of hotels in the area that have expressed an interest in supporting the event. Visit the accommodation and transport page for details.

Because of the remote location of RAAF Base Richmond, we are also endeavoring to provide shuttle bus transport to and from these hotels.If you are interested in using this service please read the shuttle service information on the accomodation page carefully to enable us to effectively organise it.

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Do you have any photos?

The Planning Committee is actively seeking more imagery of the 707 in RAAF service and the people who supported it. If you have some great digital images (or can scan some of your photos) please feel free to email them to the B707 'End of Era' Planning Committee.

If you would prefer you can send a CD to:
FLGOFF Allister Berryman,
33 Squadron,
RAAF Richmond,
NSW, 2755.

Any imagery would be greatly appreciated.

Related links

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