335 Squadron - Williamtown

History of 335 Squadron AAFC

In 1993, the headquarters of NSW Squadron, Air Training Corps identified the need to develop units on both RAAF Richmond and RAAF Williamtown. Discussions were held in the latter part of 1993 with the command element at RAAF Williamtown, and approval in principle was granted to establish a cadet unit at the base.

Recruiting was conducted in late 1993, and early 1994.

The first parade of the provisional unit was held in February 1994 with 80 recruits. Staff were FLTLT(AIRTC) Maurie Rutherford (CO), FLGOFF(AIRTC) Grant Mayler (TRGO) and LACW(AIRTC) Nicole Rutherford (Inst). Two Leading Cadets transferred from other units to form first cadet command element.

35 Flight NSWAIRTC was officially formed on 1 May 1994.

The Unit originally paraded near the flight line of RAAF Williamtown, with one classroom only. The unit moved into its present training depot in Block 95 later that year.

Over the next few years, the flight consolidated its cadet rank structure.

Together with other Hunter Region based flights, 35 Flight participated in a bilateral exchange visit to the United Kingdom in 1997, and hosted UK cadets form the United Kingdom when they visited Australia in 1999.

In 1999, 35 Flight staff and cadets sought permission from the Clan Chieftain of the Clan Hunter in Scotland to use elements of clan insignia and badges in their unit badges and on the SQN Banner. That approval was granted by Mistress Pauline Mullen Hunter of Hunterston, Clan Chief of the Hunters and 30th Laird, on 8 March 1999.

The current unit banner continues to include elements of the Clan Hunter insignia, including the clan tartan, and the unit insignia, the hunting horn. Also included is the clan and squadron motto, ‘Cursum Perficio,’ which translates as ‘I stay the course.’

In 2001, the Air Training Corps was renamed the Australian Air Force Cadets, and 35 Flight was redesignated 335 Squadron.

335 Squadron has continued to grow, and is now one of the largest squadrons in the northern region of 3 Wing. The Squadron draws cadets from all throughout the Hunter region, from Bulahdelah and Stroud in the north, through Port Stephens, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and even the Central Coast.

The Flight Commanders/Commanding Officers of the Flight/Squadron have been (in order):

Flight Commanders 35 Flight NSWAIRTC

• FLTLT(AIRTC) Maurie Rutherford (01 May 94 – 07 Dec 97)
• FLTLT(AIRTC) Grant Mayler (08 Dec 97 – 11 Aug 00)
• FLTLT(AIRTC) Rob Graham (12 Aug 00 – 30 Jun 01)

  Commanding Officers 335 Squadron AAFC

• FLTLT(AAFC) Rob Graham (01 Jul 01 – 01 Sep 01)
• FLTLT(AAFC) Kevin Curby (02 Sep 01 – 31 Dec 03)
• PLTOFF(AAFC) Julie Hallam (01 Jan 04 – 07 Apr 06)
• WGCDR Neville Gregory (08 Apr 06 – 10 Dec 07)
• FLGOFF(AAFC) Helen Adams (11 Dec 07 – 01 Feb 10)
• SQNLDR(AAFC) Grant Mayler (02 Feb 10 – 26 Jun 18)
• WOFF(AAFC) Chris Gibson (27 Jun 18 – 31 Dec 19)
• SGT(AAFC) Kylie Dorsett (01 Jan 20 - 21 May 20)
• PLTOFF(AAFC) Michael Molloy ( 22 May 20 - 30 Nov 21)
• PLTOFF(AAFC) Jake Harden (01 Dec 21 - Current)