F/A-18 Classic Hornet Series
Code P0016-14
F/A-18A A21-26, 2 OCU, RAAF Williamtown
A21-26’s current scheme was applied to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of 2OCU.
Includes 2OCU, 81 Wing and ACG badges.
A21-26, No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, RAAF Williamtown
The squadron formed as No 2 Operational Training Unit in 1942 and operated a variety of aircraft types at Point Pirie and Mildura, before moving to its current base at Williamtown in 1943. Disbanded after World War 2, the unit was reformed in March 1952 to conduct advanced training on the Gloster Meteor, de Havilland Vampire and later the CAC Sabre.
In September 1958 the unit was renamed No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit and in 1964 it began training pilots on the Dassault Mirage IIIO. In May 1985 it became the first RAAF unit to equip with the F/A-18A/B Hornet.
Today, 2OCU conducts conversion and refresher courses on the F/A-18A/B, and trains the elite Fighter Combat Instructors (FCI). The unit is an element of No 81 Wing which is responsible for the provision of combat air power to Australian and coalition forces through Offensive Counter Air and Defensive Counter Air operations using three squadrons of F/A-18 Hornets. 81 Wing is an element of Air Combat Group (ACG), the Force Element Group which commands all RAAF fast jet combat aircraft to deliver Australia’s capability to control the air and conduct precision strikes.
The 70th anniversary of the establishment of No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) was celebrated in 2012, with the application of a special ‘Tiger’ colour scheme to the tail of F/A-18A Hornet, A21-26, a Block 20 AF/A-18A. This aircraft has worn several special schemes including the spectacular RAAF F/A-18 20th anniversary scheme in 2005
Juanita Franzi
AERO ILLUSTRATIONS
Website: www.aeroillustrations.com
Facebook Folio: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Juanita-Franzi-Aero-Illustrations/171168422959139?sk=photos
Available now on line through Defence Gifts or now on base @
- RAAF Base Richmond Post Office
- RAAF Base Williamtown Post Office
- RAAF Base Amberley Post Office
- RAAF Base Tindal Post Office
