Contemplate this an airfield sprawling across 1,600 hectares. This is RAAF Base Amberley. It stands eight kilometres southwest of Ipswich. It is also 50 kilometres southwest of Brisbane. Amberley is Australia’s largest military airbase.
RAAF Base Amberley’s story began in the 1930s. A need for a Royal Australian Air Force base in Brisbane was identified. In 1938, land near Ipswich was chosen. The original landowners, the Jagera, Yuggera, and Ugarapul clans, called the area Jeebropilly. This name describes the region’s floodplain.
Construction started in 1939. The base was planned for a general-purpose squadron. It would house 300 officers and men. World War II sped up construction. Wooden and fibro buildings were quickly added. RAAF Base Amberley opened in June 1940. No. 24 Squadron was its first unit. The base shifted from flying operations to aircraft assembly and repair in 1942.
During 1942 and 1943, RAAF Base Amberley became a major United States Army Air Forces base. General Douglas MacArthur decided to defend Australia from New Guinea. He ordered the US 32nd Infantry Division to Papua New Guinea. General George Kenney transported the first regiment by air from Amberley to Port Moresby on 15 September 1942. This was the first troop airlift into combat.
Several US Fifth Air Force units were stationed at Amberley. These included bombardment and fighter groups. They flew B-26 Marauders, B-25 Mitchells, and P-38 Lightnings.
After the war, in 1947, the US facilities were given to Australia. RAAF Base Amberley then became home to the RAAF’s heavy bombers. No. 1, No. 2, and No. 6 Squadrons operated from here. In 1955, No. 23 Squadron relocated to Amberley.
In 1965, a joint US-Australian research program extended to RAAF Base Amberley. It studied atmospheric disturbances and their effects on radio communications.
Today, RAAF Base Amberley has two runways. One is three kilometres long. The other is 1.5 kilometres long. The base hosts over 5,000 uniformed and civilian personnel.
RAAF Base Amberley is home to several squadrons. No. 1 Squadron operates F/A-18F Super Hornets. No. 6 Squadron flies EA-18G Growlers. No. 33 Squadron uses Airbus KC-30As. No. 35 Squadron operates C-27J Spartans. No. 36 Squadron flies Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs. Army units also reside here. These form the 9th Force Support Battalion.
RAAF Base Amberley is more than just an airbase. It is a vital part of Australia’s defence. From its humble beginnings to its current status, Amberley has played a crucial role in both war and peace. It is a place of constant activity. It ensures Australia’s security and supports its allies. RAAF Base Amberley stands as a testament to Australia’s commitment. It embodies its strength in the air.