RAAF Base Townsville is an important forward operating base located north-west of Townsville.
It is home to:
- No 383 Squadron - contingency response
- No 452 Squadron Townsville Flight - air traffic control
- No 27 (City of Townsville) Squadron - airbase operations
- No 38 Squadron (38SQN)
- Combat Survival Training School - evasion and escape training
- Army's No 5 Aviation Regiment - Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters
- 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron Detachment Townsville
- No 2 Security Squadron detachment Townsville
Aircraft Noise
Air Force has an honest and open approach to aircraft noise that may affect neighbours of our bases and training areas.
Our pilots and crews operate their aircraft in a way that minimises aircraft noise, and we freely distribute information about aircraft noise, such as Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) maps.
For more information, visit the Defence Aircraft Noise website or call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).
See Flying Operations to view major training exercises and flying activities.
Review of KA350 King Air Fleet
The Number 38 Squadron KA350 King Air fleet was established for Interim Light Transport after the Caribou aircraft was withdrawn in 2009, before the C-27J Spartan was introduced.
Following introduction of the C-27J Spartan, Air Force is reviewing the disposition of its King Air Fleet, and the future requirement for Number 38 Squadron. Air Force is considering consolidating the fleet at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria, resulting in greater efficiencies in support costs, and workforce and training benefits.
Current leasing arrangements for a number of aircraft are due to be reviewed in 2018, and a decision on the fleet disposition will likely happen during this review.
Significant investment in RAAF Base Townsville is being undertaken to support operations, exercises and training in Australia's North and North East for air lift, maritime and fighter aircraft.
