The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is proud to join our United States counterparts to flyover the first-ever regular season National Football League (NFL) game in Australia. In a powerful display of unity and skill, the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes will fly with the U.S Marine Corps (USMC) Ospreys, in a mixed formation above the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for this historic event.

The match will be conducted on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. In a further reflection of the strong Australia-United States relationship, ADF ceremonial support at the NFL match will include a Flag Party, alongside a USMC Color Guard.

Aircraft transit to and from the MCG will be via Port Phillip Bay on both days. The flyover will include Pilatus PC-21 aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes and MV-22B Ospreys from the U.S Marine Corps.

The MV-22B Osprey is the Marine Corps’ medium-lift capable, tiltrotor, short take-off and landing aircraft. As such, it has the speed and range of a turboprop airplane and the manoeuvrability of a helicopter.

More information about the event is available at https://www.nfl.com/international/games/melbourne/ 

Media note

Air Force Roulettes and U.S Marine Corps pilots will be available for interviews via phone or in person on Thursday 10 September from 11.45AM – 12.15PM at RAAF Base Point Cook. RSVP is required for registration and photo ID for entry to the RAAF Base.

Air Force Roulettes file images are available on the Defence Image Gallery 

Images of ADF support to the NFL match will be available on the Defence image gallery at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20262833 

Flying is subject to variables including air traffic control requirements, weather, and operational availability therefore flying activity may change or be cancelled at short notice.

Noise reduction and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of military flying. Information on aircraft noise and current flying activities is available at www.defence.gov.au/aircraftnoise or by calling 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).