The Hon Andrew Hastie MP
10 Apr 22
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The Hon Andrew Hastie MP
Assistant Minister for Defence
Media contacts
Ella Kenny (Minister Hastie's Office): 0437 702 111
Defence Media: media@defence.gov.au
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31 March 2021
Today the Royal Australian Air Force marks a century of distinguished service since its inception on 31 March 1921.
Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP said that since the dawn of flight, brave men and women have been willing to defend Australia in the skies above.
“350,000 Australian’s have proudly worn the Air Force uniform since 1921,” Minister Hastie said.
“Air Force aircrew have fought and served bravely in multiple wars above Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific.
“Air Force ground crews, logisticians and support staff have worked as one to deliver Australian air power in the moment of crisis.”
Minister Hastie said Air Force’s motto ‘Per Ardua, Ad Astra’ – or ‘Through struggle, to the stars’ is a fitting for the next decade and beyond.
“Many strategic challenges lie ahead for Australia. We need to be ready for them and we must prevail in the skies above, as we have done so in the century past.”
For more information about the Air Force Centenary program, visit: https://airforce2021.airforce.gov.au/
Media can access imagery of Centenary activities at http://images.defence.gov.au/af2021, and vision will be available at https://innovatehub.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/mediahub/ElXlXEvcfyVOjKrgN7afdosBLrei_nT_uVQSDBMorUWC9Q?e=mWE0WQ