Raaf Fairbairn Closure

[DRAGWA]

I've just seen some pictures of the tarmac at Fairbairn during President Bush's recent visit.
Airforce One, another 747, 2 C17's, his helicopter and personal refueling trucks were sitting on the tarmac with a RAAF BBJ and Challenger.
Airmovements personnel were run off their feet, and for security, well I guess it was bring your own (He would have any way but lower ranking foriegn dignitries?)

Anyway, the point is... Important people are going to fly into Canberra as long as it is the capital of Australia. Just where are we going to put these poeple and their aircraft if most of that tarmac space is turned into a frieght apron?

How budget not to have an Air Force base in your capital!

Would people with more knowledge than me care to explain why shutting this base down is a good idea?:confused:

[Jobza Guddun]

Probably so they can make another base so heavily overcrowded that people live in Portakabins and facilities like the gym are so overloaded you can't get in 'em.

Sound like somewhere near you?

But at least it "saves" money eh?:confused:

[tsnake]

There was little reason to keep Fairbairn open after the helicopter school moved to Nowra (HMAS Albatross) and No. 34 Squadron reduced to a flying operation with all maintenance in the hands of contractors.
And visits by people like Bush and Hu are fortunately few and far between. The traffic chaos while Bush was in town was a complete pain. Not to mention the unwashed ferals, greenies and sundry oiks protesting against everything.
Pity about Fairbairn's gold course though. Fun place.