No. 2 Squadron RAAF

No. 2 Squadron RAAF. No. 2 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force squadron that operates the Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. Formed in 1916 as part of the Australian Flying Corps, it is one of the RAAF's oldest and most distinguished units, having seen combat in multiple major conflicts. The squadron is currently based at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales and forms part of No. 81 Wing RAAF.

History

The squadron was originally established at Kantara, Egypt in September 1916 during World War I, initially equipped with B.E.2 and Martinsyde G.100 Elephant aircraft for reconnaissance duties over the Sinai and Palestine campaign. It later re-equipped with the Bristol F.2 Fighter and served with distinction in the Middle Eastern theatre of World War I, participating in actions such as the Battle of Megiddo (1918). Disbanded after the war, it was re-formed in 1922 as part of the newly independent Royal Australian Air Force. During World War II, the squadron operated Lockheed Hudson and later Consolidated B-24 Liberator bombers from bases in Northern Australia, conducting maritime patrol and anti-shipping strikes against Imperial Japanese Navy forces. In the post-war era, the squadron saw extensive action flying English Electric Canberra bombers during the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War, where it became renowned for its precision bombing. It later transitioned to the General Dynamics F-111C before converting to its current electronic attack role with the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet and subsequently the EA-18G Growler.

Aircraft

Throughout its long service, the squadron has operated a diverse range of aircraft. Its early years featured types like the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 and the Bristol F.2 Fighter. In the interwar and early World War II period, it flew the Westland Wapiti and the Lockheed Hudson. Its heavy bomber phase utilized the Consolidated B-24 Liberator. The Cold War era was defined by the jet-powered English Electric Canberra, used extensively in Southeast Asia. From 1973 to 2010, the squadron was equipped with the General Dynamics F-111C, a long-range strike aircraft. It then operated the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet as an interim capability before transitioning to its current specialized platform, the Boeing EA-18G Growler, an electronic warfare variant of the Super Hornet.

Bases

The squadron has been based at numerous locations across Australia and overseas. Its first home was at Kantara, Egypt. Key Australian bases have included RAAF Base Laverton in Victoria, RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales, and RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. During World War II, it operated from forward airfields such as Darwin and Corunna Downs Airfield. For its deployments during the Vietnam War, the squadron was based at Phan Rang Air Base in South Vietnam. Since 2017, its home station has been RAAF Base Williamtown, where it works alongside other units of No. 81 Wing RAAF.

Battle honours

The squadron's battle honours, emblazoned on its squadron standard, reflect over a century of operational service. These include honours from World War I such as Palestine 1917–1918 and Megiddo. World War II honours encompass the Pacific War, with specific awards for Darwin 1942–43 and the Bismarck Sea. Later conflicts are represented by Korea 1950–1953, Malaya 1948–1960, and South Vietnam 1967–1971. These honours were officially recognized by the Australian War Memorial and are a testament to the squadron's enduring role in Australian military history.

Notable personnel

Several notable individuals have served with the squadron. Among its early commanders was Captain Frank Lukis, who later rose to become an Air Vice Marshal. World War II commander Wing Commander Charles Learmonth was a notable Consolidated B-24 Liberator pilot. Highly decorated members include Flight Lieutenant William Newton, who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions while flying a Lockheed Hudson with the squadron in 1943. Another distinguished member is Air Marshal Sir James Rowland, who served as a Royal Australian Air Force pilot during the Korean War and later became Governor of New South Wales.

Category:Royal Australian Air Force squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1916