3 Squadron RAAF Association

THE ASSOCIATION'S PROFILE ....

After World War ll ended in 1945, many of the airmen who had served overseas in 3 Squadron continued to stay in close contact after they returned to Australia. They formed the Association which is still active to this very day. It still is, in fact, one big close family ... as it always has been since its inception. Many of its ex-World War ll members are now over 80 years of age. It has branches in each State and publishes a quarterly newsletter, distributed to over 330 members and their families. Family members of 3 Squadron veterans are welcome to join the Association ... as are all personnel who have ever served in any mustering with 3 Squadron during its 85 + years. By keeping the 3 Squadron flame burning brightly we'll preserve its glorious history. Then we can all say with honest pride: "we're a part of one of the finest RAAF Squadrons that Australian airmen have ever produced".

The flaming, winged grenade contained within the Fleur-de-lis, or Heraldic Lily, in the Squadron's official badge symbolises the Squadron's Australian Flying Corps days as an Army Co-Operation Squadron serving in France during World War l (1914 - 1918). The motto : OPERTA APERTA means "Secrets Revealed". Both the Association and the Squadron as it exists this present day, adopt this badge as a common link joining past to present.

THE SQUADRON'S PROFILE ...

Still one of Australia's top flying units, 3 Squadron are now, in 2002, equipped with seventeen FA18 Hornets. They're based at Williamtown, NSW. There are approximately 229 airmen and airwomen plus 25 officers on strength. 17 of them are pilots. All fully support the Association and, whenever possible, a contingent march alongside Association members in Sydney on Anzac Day. As often as possible, they invite Association members to participate in many of the Squadron's commemoration ceremonies and they proudly preserve and display in their crew rooms, many souvenirs and mementos, including photograph albums, portraying the Squadron's history and achievements.