No 33 Squadron

Initially equipped with Empire flying boats, No 33 Squadron formed at Townsville in February 1942. Shortly after, the Squadron's inventory was supplemented with a variety of lighter aircraft including Dragons, Ansons and Tiger Moths.

After moving to Port Moresby in January 1943, No 33 Squadron was heavily involved in airlifting vital supplies to Australian forces in the jungles of New Guinea. Many freight runs to Myola and Kokoda were made - where even the diminutive Tiger Moths were pressed into service, delivering 77 kilograms of cargo each trip!

In October 1943, No 33 Squadron was re-equipped with Dakotas and operated this type on transport duties until the end of the war. After Japan's surrender, No 33 Squadron ferried POWs and Allied troops from their remote locations back to Australia, before disbanding in May 1946.

On 1 July 1983, No 33 Squadron was re-established as a strategic transport squadron based at Richmond. Equipped with Boeing 707s, the Squadron's role also included VIP transport and air-to-air refuelling for the RAAF's F/A-18 Hornets.

Aside from its VIP tasks, No 33 Squadron has undertaken many important operations since reforming. Until the RAAF withdrew its fighter presence from Butterworth in the late 1980s, regular transport flights were made to Malaysia. In 1989, No 33 Squadron was involved in the deployment of Australian troops to Namibia for United Nations peacekeeping operations.

With the recently announced planned purchase of Airbus A330 tanker aircraft, No 33 Squadron's strategic transport and air-to-air refuelling capability will be enhanced, enabling the Squadron to continue its role as a vital and unique link in Australia's defence strategy.

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