Branch RAAF Part of Combat Support Group Motto(s) Defend the eyre | Role Airfield Defence Garrison/HQ RAAF Base Amberley | |
Active 1 October 1983 – present | ||
No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron (2AFDS) is an Australian military unit whose primary role is to protect and defend airfields, buildings, equipment, and personnel.
Contents
Crest
The squadron's crest is a crossed rifle and sword surmounted by a wedge-tailed eagle in flight. The crossed rifle and sword is symbolic of the ground defence specialisation and represents both the offensive and defensive nature of ground defence within the Air Force and its inherent need to provide close-in and far-reaching security to counter hostile ground forces.
History
The unit was formed on 7 April 1945 in Morotai. It was originally designated as "2 Aerodrome Defence Squadron" (2ADS). The unit saw action during World War II in Morotai, Labuan, Brunei, Borneo, Balikpapan and the Philippines. After the end of the war, on 29 October 1945 the squadron was disbanded.
The ADG was reformed in early 1966 as the "Aerodrome Defence Guard" (ADG) to meet the need to protect assets in the South East Asia area during the Vietnam War. By 1968 two hundred Air Defence Guard personnel were in service across South East Asia, alongside US forces.
2AFDS was reformed at RAAF Base Richmond on 17 March 1983, and in 1989 it relocated to RAAF Base Amberley, where it is currently based.
2AFDS was renamed 2 Security Forces Squadron in 13 July as a part of the restructure of the RAAF security capability.