No.77 Squadron was formed in Perth on 16 March 1942 with Kittyhawk aircraft obtained from the USA. On 12 August 1942 the Squadron moved to Darwin and on 21 February 1943 was relocated to Milne Bay, New Guinea. At the end of World War II 77SQN became part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan. Occupation duties continued until 25 June 1950, when the UN called on the Squadron for operations in Korea. Flying Mustang fighters, the Squadron's main operations were attacks in support of ground forces.

When they took delivery of the Meteor jet fighter in July 1951, Squadron operations changed to fighter sweeps and escort missions before eventually resuming the ground attack role in December 1951. 77SQN returned to Australia (Williamtown) in November 1954. Following the acquisition of Avon-Sabre aircraft in 1956 they departed Australia for Butterworth in Malaysia, returning to Australia in 1969. In mid 1970 they were re-equipped with the Mirage fighter at Williamtown. The F/A-18 aircraft was introduced to the Squadron in July 1987.

Equipment Used

F/A-18 Hornet

Location

No. 76 Squadron
RAAF Base Williamtown
Medowie Road
Williamtown NSW 2314