U.S. AIRGRAFT FOR N.Z.

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28539, 19 March 1958, Page 8

U.S. AIRGRAFT FOR N.Z.

RJVJLAJ. Anniversary Celebrations <N2. Preet Asaoetetfcm CopiMghtt BRISBANE. March M. Four United States FIDO Jet Fighters, capable of breaking the sound barrier in level flight, will be among a fleet of 18 aircraft to pass through Queensland this week on the way to New Zealand. The biggest array of United States military aircraft ever seen in Queensland will pass through this week to take part in the 21st birthday celebrations of the Royal New Zealand Air Force The aircraft, from their base in Japan, will bring 82 officers and 180 men on the goodwill flight Among the aircraft are two Globemasters, three Hercules C 130’s, two WBO6 Sky Wamor twin-jet bombers, five KBSO tankers, one 847 Superfortress bomber and one KCO7 tanker. The aerial tankers will be used to refuel thfe jet fighters in flight between Japan and Amberley, Queensland’s main Royal Australian Air Force base, and between Amberley and New Zealand. A United States Air Force Skymaster carrying modern radar and ultra high frequency equipment leaves Australia for New Zealand today. The American mission will be commanded by Colonel Robert N. Montgomery, commander of the Eighth Fighter Bombardment Wing. Three Canberra jet bombers from the 82nd Bomber Wing, R.A.A.F. at Amberley, led by Group Captain C. Reid, will leave for New Zealand next Tuesday. A Neptune reconaissance aircraft from the No. 11 Maritime Squadron at Richmond will also go to New Zealand. Ail the aircraft will be there on March 25 and will leave again on March 30.