Peta Seaton, MP
Member for Southern Highlands -

"Mr Speaker

'For we are young and free' are the most important words in our national anthem. Today, I am honored to speak of a group of great Australian airmen who proudly but modestly earned the deserved reputation of the Royal Australian Air Force 77 squadron of fearless defense of the values we hold dear, and for doing more than their fair share to secure the freedoms we take for granted.

Not that you'd ever hear about it from them - for that we must rely on some rare histories that reveal the true brilliance and courage of the men who made 77 Squadron the legend that is symbolised in this Squadron tie I am proud to wear today.

The legend began in Western Australia in 1942 when Australia faced direct threat in Darwin from Japanese fighters fresh from Pearl Harbour - and the newly formed squadron led by Wing Commander Dick Cresswell took to the air in American Kittyhawk fighters, shooting down the first Japanese 'Betty Bomber', and then on to Milne Bay, where with 75 and 76 Squadron they helped allied forces turn the invading Japanese forces around, and with it, the course of history.

Dick Cresswell is in the gallery today, as is his successor and Wing Leader of 81 Fighter Wing, Wing Commander 'Buster' Brown and many of their colleagues, who have all shaped the indomitable character of 77 Squadron, whose mantle is carried by Wing Commander Gavin Turnbull, who headed up Squadron anti-terrorist activities in Afghanistan using FA/18 Hornets.

From the British Occupation Force in Japan, 77 Squadron was then called to action in Korea, the first Australian military unit to see action, based at Iwakuni in Japan, then at various airfields in South Korea, finally at Kimpo. Mustangs gave way to Meteor jets in July 1951, giving 77 Squadron a faster edge in fighter combat through 18,872 operational sorties.

This is the 77 Squadron I grew up with - and although it is still almost impossible to get much out of them except at the end of an Anzac day, the friendships that survive lifetimes tell me more about what happened in the skies above Pusan, Seoul, and the 38th Parallel than I will ever read in a military history.

Photos show lean, confident, young Australians, making the best of tough conditions but quietly determined to free South Korea from the deadly shackles of communism; a photo of two mates shaking hands - one who's just been released from prisoner of war camp having been shot down. Tonight there is a raw gap in the 77 Squadron formation where he would have been - Don Pinkstone passed away last week, and today we honour his memory and achievements. The other pilot in the photo is my father, Don's best mate. 43 Squadron members lost their lives in Korea, and 7 were taken prisoner.

77 Squadron served with Avon Sabres in the Malayan Emergency, and Indonesia. It then re-equipped with the Mach 2 Mirage, and now operates the FA/18 Hornets. The Squadron has the unique distinction of having never been disbanded, and remains in active operation - today as important as ever as we face new and serious threats.

The 77 Squadron motto, 'Swift to destroy', is embodied by the oriental lion on the Squadron colours. Less reverentially called the 'grumpy monkey', it symbolises 'a defender of peace which when disturbed is swift to destroy', and I acknowledge Squadron Association President Jim Treadwell for his custodianship of the legend that was rescued by the great efforts of Alwyn Quoy OAM and Harry Delaney who refused to take 'no' for an answer at an ANZAC Day march in 1953 and started the Association. The Association's Patron Sir Neville McNamara is a former Southern Highlands resident, one of several 77 Squadron members and families in my electorate.

To our two very special guests today Wing Commander Dick Cresswell, DFC , American DFC and Air Medal, Wing Commander Bruce 'Buster' Brown, DFC & Bar, OAM, we thank and honour you for your leadership in preserving Australia's freedom and for inspiring the 77 Squadron legend. It is our responsibility in this House to value the freedom you and all Australian service men and women have given us through your commitment, and pledge to play our part in keeping Australia 'young and free' as you did for us."