Hawks rule the tarmac at Geraldton RAAF open day

More than 800 people visited the tarmac at Geraldton Airport on Thursday to see a static display of Hawk 127s, according to Cpl Daryl Anesbury.

Originally from Exmouth, Cpl Anesbury was one of the airmen based at Pearce who spent the day meeting adults and children who came to view the three RAAF jets.

“It’s great to show off our shiny toys to the public,” he said.

On Thursday afternoon, Flight-Lt Kim Shearman was setting a small boy straight about the “thing” under the belly of a jet he thought was a bomb.

“We actually put our luggage in that so I can have a change of clothes when I go somewhere, and a toothbrush,” he told the child.

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“The kids are all really interested in the planes and asking all sorts of questions,” he said.

Flight-Lt Sue Freeman said most of the children’s questions were about the armaments.

“Where does the gun go? Where do the bombs go? And what’s that thing out the front? The pitot tube is often mistaken for a gun,” she said. “It measures speed.”

Flight-Lt Freeman said she had spoken to children of all ages during the day.

In the evening, the RSL and the City of Greater Geraldton honoured the RAAF with a reception to mark the air force’s 100-year relationship with Geraldton.

Representatives of the RSL, City, RAAF and Australian Air Force Cadets mingled for drinks, canapes, and a few short speeches at Birdwood House.