Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

In 1967 No.2 Squadron left their base at Butterworth, Malaysia, to join the Vietnam War. Based at Phan Rang Air Base as part of America’s 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, they made a name for themselves as the best performing unit in the group. Flying around eight missions per day, No 2. Squadron flew a total of 11,900 missions throughout their time in Vietnam.

The squadron used the English Electric Canberra, a bomber with the ability to fly below low cloud cover. This unique ability allowed No.2 Squadron to outperform their colleagues who had to use dive bombing techniques. With experience hunting insurgents in Malaya, the squadron was well equipped to locate guerrillas and Viet Cong infrastructure.

The squadron was involved in the defence of Khe Sanh in January 1968. Khe Sanh was attacked by the North Vietnamese to draw American soldiers away from areas which were marked for the Tet Offensive. In total, 115,000 tonnes of ordinance was dropped by the allies. Due to possessing air superiority, Khe Sanh was successfully defended, although the Viet Cong’s success with the Tet Offensive caused this to be overlooked.

Another famous battle the squadron was in was the 1971 South Vietnamese attack on the Ho Chi Minh trail. The Squadron supported a pre-emptive South Vietnamese attack on the trail in Laos, where it was thought northern forces would amass to open a new vector of attack on the south. As American ground forces were not allowed to assist, the outnumbered southern assault failed.

Combat was not the only thing on the squadron’s mind though, as they engaged in several humanitarian activities. Led by Padre Patrick McCormick, No.2 Squadron built an orphanage for children in Tan Tai near Phan Rang. Airmen also delivered Christmas gifts to children, provided villages with reticulated water, and facilitated youth projects. The squadron left Vietnam in June 1971, where they returned to Amberley.

Refueling a Canberra Bomber, RAAF base at Phan Rang, South Vietnam 1968-1969., 32657, Jon Fallows Vietnam War Collection, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image No 32657-0003-0023.

31/05/2026

31/05/2026

Did you know.... on this day in 1953, the first Australian English Electric Canberra took flight at Avalon, Victoria?

Designed for speed, altitude and adaptability, the Canberra became an important aircraft in RAAF service, including with No. 2 Squadron in Malaya and Vietnam.

Visit our museum to discover the Canberra Mk.20 up close and hear of its remarkable service history.

We're open daily, 10am–4pm.

28/05/2026

Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growler A46-203 6 Squadron, 2OCU F-35A Lightning II A35-069, Exercise Diamond Spear 2026

28/05/2026

28 May 1973: Last RAAF F-4E Phantom training sorties conducted

Did you know that on this day in 1973, eight RAAF F-4E Phantoms of No 1 Squadron flew the last RAAF Phantom training sorties?

The RAAF leased 24 F-4E Phantom aircraft from the USAF as a stopgap measure to fill the void between the delayed acquisition of the F-111C and the ageing Canberra bombers. The Phantoms were delivered in late 1970 and were based at RAAF Amberley operating with both 1SQN and 6SQN. One aircraft was lost when it crashed into the sea near Evans Head bombing range on 16 June 1971 killing the two aircrew. Two others were damaged in accidents.

The RAAF primarily used the F-4E in a strike role but aircrew also completed air to air training with the aircraft. The Phantoms proved not only popular with aircrew and maintenance staff but also with the Australian public who embraced it during the RAAF’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 1971.

With the impending arrival of the RAAF F-111's during the second half of 1973, the end of the short but fantastic RAAF Phantom era came in May 1973. On 28th May 1973, the last RAAF Phantom training missions were flown when an 8 ship training sortie to Coolmunda Dam was conducted returning to RAAF Amberley with a final flypast flown by No 1 Squadron.

While 12 Phantoms returned to the USAF in November 1972, the remaining 11 returned to the USAF in June 1973. A number were later used in US air operations such as the Gulf War. None of the original F-4E airframes used by the RAAF exist now; an ex USAF Phantom at the RAAF museum is in RAAF livery of A69-7208 but is not actually one of the former RAAF aircraft. A69-7208 is significant as it was the last RAAF Phantom aircraft to fly a RAAF sortie.

Image of RAAF F aircrew on flightline with their F-4Es courtesy of AFA-SA collection.

15/05/2026

Looking for something to do this rainy weekend. Come along to the museum and check out the F111 and our Caribou
ehham.org.au

The DHC-4 Caribou is a legendary aircraft that has gained a place in aviation history for its exceptional capabilities and rugged design. It was designed and...

15/05/2026

We are open Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm as well as Tuesday 9am-12noon

The Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum offers visitors numerous heritage displays and hands-on experiences of our local military and aviation history. The m...