RMAF Butterworth Air Base
RMAF Butterworth TUDM Butterworth | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | |||||||||||
| Summary | |||||||||||
| Airport type | Military | ||||||||||
| Owner | Ministry of Defence | ||||||||||
| Operator | Royal Malaysian Air Force | ||||||||||
| Location | Butterworth,Penang,Malaysia | ||||||||||
| Time zone | MST(UTC+08:00) | ||||||||||
| ElevationAMSL | 8 ft / 2 m | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 05°27′58″N100°23′28″E/ 5.46611°N 100.39111°E | ||||||||||
| Runways | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
| RMAF Butterworth | |
|---|---|
| Butterworth,Penangin Malaysia | |
  RMAF Butterworth Location inWest Malaysia | |
| Coordinates | 05°27′58″N100°23′28″E/ 5.46611°N 100.39111°E |
| Type | Military air force station |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence |
| Operator |  Royal Malaysian Air Force |
RMAF Butterworth(Malay:TUDM Butterworth) is an activeAir Force Stationof theRoyal Malaysian Air Force(RMAF) situated 4.5nautical miles(8.3 km; 5.2 mi) fromButterworthinPenang,Malaysia.It is currently home to theHeadquarters Integrated Area Defence System(HQIADS), part of theFive Power Defence Arrangements(FPDA).[2]
The airfield was originally known asRAF Station Butterworthand later asRAAF Butterworth,under the operational commands of theRoyal Air Force(RAF) and theRoyal Australian Air Force(RAAF) respectively. Although the airfield is now a RMAF base, under the terms of the FPDA the RAAF are a co-tenant of the base, maintaining an operational presence in the region alongside the RMAF squadrons.[3]The airfield and associated base facilities are colloquially referred to asButterworth.
History
[edit]RAF Butterworth
[edit]
An airfield at Butterworth was originally established in 1939 by the RAF on a “care and maintenance” basis. In October 1941,RAF Butterworthwas officially opened as part of Britain'sWorld War IIplans for defending the Malayan Peninsula against the threat of invasion by theImperial Japanese forces.[4]
During the Japaneseinvasion of Malayain December 1941, the airfield came under attack from aircraft of theImperial Japanese Navy Air Serviceand suffered damage from theMitsubishi G3MandMitsubishi G4Mbombers. Obsolete RAFBrewster Buffalofighters based at the airfield took to the air to engage the escorting MitsubishiA6M Zerofighters but suffered heavy losses against the highly trained and experienced Japanesefighter pilots.The airfield was captured by the advancing25th Armyon 20 December 1941 and remained under the control of the (Imperial Japanese Armyuntil September 1945. Following cessation of hostilities the RAF resumed control of the airfield and Japanese prisoners of war were put to work repairing the runways and making general improvements to the airfield. RAF air operations resumed in May 1946.[4]
From 1948 to 1963 RAF, RAAF andRoyal New Zealand Air Force(RNZAF) units were stationed at the airfield as part of theCommonwealth Strategic Reserve.During theMalayan Emergencyfrom 1950 these units played an active role against the communist insurgency by attacking suspected jungle hideouts of the communist guerrillas. During this time the airfield also hosted various units on rotation fromRAF Changi,RAF Kuala Lumpur,RAF Kuantan,RAF SeletarandRAF Tengah.The base was also used by RAF aircraft transiting from bases in the Indian Ocean (RAF Ganin the Maldives), Middle East (RAF Khormaksarin Aden) and Mediterranean (RAF Akrotiriin Cyprus) en route to other bases in the Far East region, such as Singapore, North Borneo and Hong Kong.[4]
RAF units that were stationed at Butterworth during the Emergency included:[5]
- No. 20 Squadronequipped with theHunterFGA.9
- No. 45 Squadronequipped with theVenomFB.1/4 and laterCanberraB.15
- No. 60 Squadronequipped with theJavelinFAW Mk 9
- No. 81 Squadronequipped with theCanberra PR.7
In 1957 the RAF closed the station, with control formally passing to the RAAF the following year, although the property itself remained under RAF ownership.
RAAF Butterworth
[edit]
Following closure of RAF Butterworth in 1957, control was formally transferred to the RAAF on 30 June 1958. The station was originally renamedRAAF Station Butterworthand laterRAAF Butterworthand was the RAAF's first permanent major air base outside of Australia in the post-WW2 era. The base was home to numerous Australian fighter and bomber squadrons stationed in Malaya during theCold Warera. During theVietnam Warthe base provided aircraft and maintenance personnel in support of deployments and also provided medical and transport support facilities.
At its peak in the 1970s the base was home to almost 5,000 Australian personnel and their families, but as at 2007 this has dwindled down to a permanent staff of just 40 RAAF personnel and 126 from theAustralian Army(although the average number deployed at the base during annual exercises is around 700). The RAAF also employs 75 local civilian staff.[6][7]
Two notable RAAF fighter units stationed at the base wereNo. 3 Squadron RAAFandNo. 77 Squadron RAAFwhich saw service with theirCAC Sabresduring the Malayan Emergency through theconfrontation with Indonesia.From August 1964 onward, these Sabre jets responded on several occasions to approaches byMiG-21fighter jets of theIndonesian Air Forcetowards Malaysianairspace,but the Indonesian aircraft always turned back before crossing the international boundary, thereby averting possible conflict.[8]Another notable unit wasNo. 2 Squadron RAAFwhich arrived at Butterworth in July 1958. FlyingCanberrabombers, the squadron flew missions immediately after arriving including formation bombing runs against Communist guerrilla targets, and remained at Butterworth until 1967 when it moved toPhan Rang Air Basein Vietnam.[4]
During this period,No. 33 Squadron RAFwas stationed at Butterworth to provide ground to air defence withBloodhoundmissiles.No. 20 Squadron RAFwithHunterFGA.9 aircraft were detached here as also were RAFVulcansand Canberras.No. 52 Squadron RAFprovided air supply support to ground troops and police working in the Malaysian Peninsular jungle areas with theirValettaC2 twin engine aircraft along with RAFSingleandTwin Pioneeraircraft. 52 Squadron also provided air support to units working in the Borneo jungle areas. The RAF also providedair-sea rescuehelicopters (Whirlwinds) and Rescue & Range Safety Launches (RTTL & RSL) fromRAF Glugoron Penang Island. Other RAF aircraft seen regularly includedBritannia,HerculesandAndovertransports and RAFVictortankers when transiting fighter aircraft such asLightningsthrough to Singapore.[4][5][9]
No. 75 Squadron RAAFarrived at Butterworth with theMirage IIIOson 18 May 1967, replacing 3 Squadron who returned to Australia to themselves re-equip with the Mirage. 3 Squadron returned in February 1969 - replacing 77 Squadron - with both squadrons also alternating responsibility for the detachment atRAF Tengahin Singapore.[10]75 Squadron remained at Butterworth until it was withdrawn toRAAF Darwinin October 1983, with 3 Squadron following toRAAF Williamtownin 1986. A number of former 3 Squadron aircraft and personnel remained at Butterworth and were formed asNo. 79 Squadron RAAF,until they finally departed in May 1988.[4]
As of October 2008, theAustralian Defence Forcecontinues to maintain a presence at Butterworth as part of Australia's commitment to theFPDA,withNo. 19 Squadron RAAFof the Combat Support Group (No. 95 Wing) and a detachment ofAP-3C Orionaircraft fromNo. 92 Wing RAAFbeing located at the airfield, along with various units from the Australian Army.
RAAF Club
[edit]In January 1962 the RAAF Club opened at 10 Tanjung Tokong in Penang to provide social and sporting facilitates for RAAF personnel and their families during their stay at Butterworth. At its peak it provided for over 800 families, as well as those of Australian government public servants stationed in Malaysia.
The centre originally operated as a hostel with a total of 72 rooms and later included the Penang Health Centre and the Penang Housing Section. It also housed chaplains, the Public Health Section, RAAF police, Supervisor RAAF Centre and the transport office. A convenience store, barber and hairdresser, gift shop, library, post office and a travel bureau also provided services to the club's members.
In the 1980s the number of RAAF personnel serving at Butterworth was reduced which led to the closure of the RAAF Club. A new and smaller club was later established for the families who lived permanently in Penang.[11]
RAAF School
[edit]Increasing numbers of RAAF officers and airmen serving at Butterworth during the 1950s required the provision of schooling for their dependants. In October 1958, the Department of Air established a permanent school in Penang Island, leasing 8 Residency Road as a primary school for children up to year eight. Teaching staff for the school were selected from the Department of Education of New South Wales and Victoria. Later, 4 Residency Road was leased for an infants’ school and 10 Residency Road as a secondary school. The number of enrolments rose to 289 infants, 345 primary and 102 secondary students.
As the number of personnel serving at Butterworth increased the Residency Road schools became crowded and inadequate, and work began to build a bigger school. On 30 March 1962 the RAAF School on Jalan Azyzeat Hillside Penang was completed and officially opened on 9 May 1962. The school consisted of three main buildings, an assembly hall and an attap hut for infants. In September 1965, a new attap hut was built for primary students. Enrolments peaked at around 1,100 in 1977.
The reduction in the RAAF's presence at Butterworth in 1988 led to the school's closure, with the high school closing at the end of 1987 and the primary and infants' schools in mid-1988, with the remaining students now attending the nearby international schools in Penang. The former RAAF School building are now used as the RMAF training facility and administration centre.[11]
Rifle Company Butterworth
[edit]Since the early 1970s arifle companyhas been stationed at Butterworth, drawn from units of the Australian Army on a rotational basis. The unit is designatedRifle Company Butterworth.While the unit's initial focus was protection of the airfield and base facilities and personnel, in recent years its emphasis has shifted to training and bilateral exercises in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.[6]
RMAF Butterworth
[edit]
In 1970, following Malaysian independence, control of the base passed from the RAAF to the RMAF, and ownership of the property was ceded to the Malaysian Government; the base was formally renamed toRMAF Butterworth.As the RMAF was in its infancy and not in a position to fully take over an air defence role, two RAAF fighter squadrons were based at Butterworth until 1988.[6][12]
Current status
[edit]Although the base is under Malaysian control, under the terms of the FPDA command authority resides with the Commander Integrated Area Defence System (CIADS), an Australianair vice-marshal,and the RAAF remains as a co-tenant, the only foreign power with a permanent presence on the base. Aside from the active RMAF and RAAF squadrons housed at the base, Butterworth routinely supports deployments of aircraft from the RAAF's Air Combat, Air Lift and Aerospace Operational Support Group.[6]
In 2018 the Australia government announced a AUS$22 million upgrade of the base, to ensure Butterworth "remains fit for purpose well into the future." The Defence Industry Minister,Christopher Pyne,stated improvements were needed for the base to support the RAAF's newLockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIduring regional exercises.[13][14]
RMAF units
[edit]The RMAF stations the following units at Butterworth:[15]
- No. 3 Squadron RMAF, operates 4AgustaWestland AW139(leased fromWeststar Aviationas interim S-61A4 Nuri replacement). Formerly operatedS-61A4 Nurihelicopters (Retired at the end of 2019, however the 3rd Squadron still maintain to be a working Squadron, awaiting for future acquisition of new utility helicopter fleet)
- No. 15 Squadron RMAF, withBAE Hawk108/Hawk 208
- No. 18 Squadron RMAF, withBoeing F/A-18D Hornets
Other Malaysian Armed Forces' Units
[edit]- 509Rejimen Askar Wataniah(509th Territorial Army Regiment)
- Unit Bantuan Utara,TLDM(Royal Malaysian Navy - Northern Region Support Unit)
RAAF units
[edit]Under the terms of the FPDA, the RAAF stations the following units at Butterworth:
- No. 19 Squadron(19SQN)
- No. 92 WingDetachment Alpha (92WG Det A), with previouslyAP-3C Orions,nowBoeing P-8 Poseidon
This represent the RAAF's only permanent air base outside of Australia.[3]
Other permanent units
[edit]The following units of the Australian Defence Force are also stationed at Butterworth:[3]
- 2nd/30th Training Group, Australian Army
- Australian Defence Force Investigative Service(Joint Investigation Office Butterworth)
- Joint Health Command (Butterworth Clinic)
- Land Command Liaison Section, Australian Army (as at May 2007)
- Rifle Company Butterworth,Australian Army
Visiting units
[edit]RMAF Butterworth often hosts visiting units from nations which comprise the FPDA, particularly for the annual Exercise Bersama Lima. Aircraft from overseas squadrons participating in the exercise often include:
- RAFTyphoonfighters andVoyager MRTTs[16]
- RAAFF/A-18F Super Hornets&MH-60R Seahawkhelicopters of theRoyal Australian Navy[17]
- RNZAFP-3K2 Orions andRoyal New Zealand NavySH-2G Seaspritehelicopters.[18]
In 2013, after a break of 15 years, the exercise was joined by fiveF-16 Fighting Falconsfrom140 Squadronof theRepublic of Singapore Air Force(RSAF).[19]
The airfield also hosts visiting aircraft from theRoyal Thai Air Force.[6]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^AIP Malaysia: WMKB - Butterworthat Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia
- ^"Defence FOI 151/18/19 Item Serial 1"(PDF).Department of Defence (Australia). Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 7 August 2021.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^abc"RMAF Base Butterworth".Royal Australian Air Force.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^abcdefHugh Crowther (2014)."RAF Station Butterworth Malaya (1939-1957)"(PDF).Air Force Association NSW.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^abRoyal Air Force Historical Society (1994)."Seminar - Confrontation with Indonesia"(PDF).13.The Royal Air Force Museum.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^abcde"Australian Defence Force Facilities Rationalisation"(PDF).Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth, Malaysia.Statement of Evidence to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works. Canberra ACT: Department of Defence (Australia). May 2007.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^Opalyn Mok (23 May 2015)."How the Royal Australian Air Force transformed Butterworth through music".Malay Mail.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^"Research Note no. 26 2002-03".Australia Parliamentary Library. 18 March 2003. Archived fromthe originalon 5 June 2011.Retrieved6 June2011.
- ^Royal Air Force Historical Society (2000)."Malaya, Korea and Kuwait seminar"(PDF).21.The Royal Air Force Museum.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^Wilson, David.Seek and Strike: 75 Squadron RAAF 1942–2002.Maryborough, Australia: Banner, 2002.ISBN1-875593-23-3p. 180.
- ^ab"Penang Stories - The Existence of the RAAF in Penang".Penang Global Tourism.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^"Integrated Area Defence System: 40 years old and still going strong"(PDF).Pathfinder - Air Power Development Centre Bulletin(148). Canberra ACT: Department of Defence (Australia). January 2011.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^Wroe, David (25 June 2018)."Australia to spend nearly $7 billion buying unmanned military planes from America".the Sydney Morning Herald.Retrieved26 June2018.
- ^"Australia to invest in RMAF Base Butterworth".Royal Australian Air Force.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^RAAF Historical Section (1995).Units of the Royal Australian Air Force. A Concise History.Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra.
- ^Alistair Munro (27 September 2019)."RAF Lossiemouth Typhoons arrive in Malaysia".Aberdeen Journals Ltd.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^"Exercise Bersama Lima 16 Officially Opens".Royal Australian Air Force.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^"No. 5 Squadron in Malaysia - Exercise Bersama Lima".Royal New Zealand Air Force.Retrieved2 May2020.
- ^Kiatisak Chua (11 November 2013)."Fighter jets to ride the sky together".Star Media Group.Retrieved2 May2020.
Further reading
[edit]- Radcliffe, Mathew (2017).Kampong Australia: The RAAF at Butterworth.Sydney, New South Wales: NewSouth Publishing.ISBN9781742235141.
- Brawley, Sean; Radcliffe, Mathew (2017). "Losing the Blanket, Building a Fence: Australian Anxiety and the End of Military Colonialism in Malaysia".The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History.45(6): 1026–1048.doi:10.1080/03086534.2017.1379669.S2CID159469435.
External links
[edit]
