18 September 2026
Hobart shares a special connection with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), as home to important national commemorations and operations.
This month, Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells, Governor of Tasmania, has been pleased to join with members of the RAAF, and other Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, gathered in the city to mark several significant anniversaries and occasions.
Her Excellency is honoured to serve as Honorary Air Commodore of No. 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron, RAAF, which is based at Anglesea Barracks in Hobart.
On Tuesday 1 September she was pleased to welcome current and former members to Government House for a reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the squadron's formation.
No. 29 Squadron provides leadership of Operation Southern Discovery, the ADF's valued contribution to the Australian Antarctic Program.
For ten years, the operation has contributed strategic airlift, logistics and operational support to allow the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) and its partners to deliver world-leading climate research, environmental monitoring and Antarctic operations.
Yesterday evening Her Excellency hosted a reception at Government House to mark the milestone and look forward to further collaboration as Hobart continues to serve as the ADF mounting base for the operation.
Additionally, each year Hobart hosts national commemorations for the Battle of Britain, the pivotal World War II air campaign of 1940 during which the Royal Air Force, supported by airmen from across the British Empire and Allied nations, including Australia, defended Great Britain against invasion.
On the weekend of 12 and 13 September, Her Excellency and Dr Rob Walters RFD attended the 2026 commemoration activities, including a remembrance service at St David's Cathedral and a wreath-laying service at the Hobart Cenotaph which included a flyover from the Air Force Roulettes.
