381ECSS is an expeditionary combat support squadron of the RAAF formed at RAAF Williamtown, NSW in May 1998. It is a fully deployable airbase operations unit that provides airbase-specific operations support and common 'close' combat support functions to one or more collocated flying units at a forward operating base. Effectively an ECSS runs the base support to ensure lodger flying units are able to concentrate on the projection of the required air power to support directed RAAF missions.
To date 381ECSS has assisted in Operations Warden/Stabilize (East Timor), Gold (Sydney Olympics), Relex (bare base activation to support maritime interdiction operations), Gaberdine (Immigration Support), Guardian (CHOGM Support), Slipper (Global War on Terrorism), Bastille and Falconer (Iraq War). These activities have included defence aid to the civilian community, activation of bare bases, support to the UN peacekeeping missions, support to border protection, coalition force activities in the Fight Against Terrorism and the War in Iraq.
381ECSS airbase operations and combat support functions include:
- Airbase operations
- Air traffic control (supported by 44 Wing)
- Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)
- Security, Policing and Investigative services
- Ground defence
- Explosive ordnance disposal operations
- Administration
- Pay
- Personnel support
- Travel management
- Finance
- Welfare support
- Postal operations
- Logistics
- Supply
- Warehousing
- Transport
- Movements
- Air Terminal Services (supported by 1AOSS),
- Fuel operations
- Catering
- Airfield Engineering
- Civil Maintenance and Engineering
- Mechanical Maintenance and Engineering
- Health Support (supported by HSW)
- Airfield Emergency Response
- Medical
- Dental
- Environmental Health
- Physical Training
- Communications
- Base Radio Maintenance
- Base Communications Centre
- Information Systems
381ECSS's in-garrison role is to provide specialist military airbase operations at Williamtown in concert with other airbase service providers such as Defence Support Group and Joint Logistics Command. At its 'home' base 381ECSS does not provide all base support services, but when deployed it has the capability (see above) to support a bare base, a greenfield airfield or to augment operations on an existing main base as required, providing all the services to make it a fully operational base.
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“The combat ended for want of combatants.”
—Pierre Corneille (1606–1684)
“I believe, as Maori people do, that children should have more adults in their lives than just their mothers and fathers. Children need more than one or two positive role models. It is in your children’s best interest that you help them cultivate a support system that extends beyond their immediate family.”
—Stephanie Marston (20th century)
“Well gentlemen, this is it. This is what we’ve been waiting for. Tonight your target is Tokyo. And you’re gonna play ‘em the Star Spangled Banner with two-ton bombs. All you’ve got to do is to remember what you’ve learned and follow your squadron leaders. They’ll get you in, and they’ll get you out. Any questions? All right that’s all. Good luck to you. Give ‘em hell.”
—Dudley Nichols (1895–1960)