RAAF starts build-up of Learmonth airfield

The first stage in the development of the RAAF airfield at Learmonth Western Australia began with the first Hercules-load of equipment to land at the base. The equipment and men of the RAAF's No. 5 Airfield Construction Squadron were flown in by Hercules transports from their present location at Tindal, in the Northern Teritory. The detachment will begin preparatory work at Learmonth airfield while awaiting the arrival of the main working party later this year. Work on the lengthening of the runway from its present 7,000 feet will not begin until other projects, such as preparation of construction plant site and some roads constructed. When the runway is strengthened its length increased and taxi-ways added, the airfield will be capable of taking the heaviest aircraft now in use. In four Hercules loads, the RAAF uplifted from Tindal heavy equipment to be used by the Airfield Construction Squadron, including three dump trucks, a fuel tanker and an 8-wheeled roller. The balance of the Squadron's equipment is being sent by road and rail from RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland, where the Squadron has just completed extensions to the main runway. Work on Learmonth airfield is expected to be completed by the end of 1972.