RAAF Base Edinburgh construction work began in 1952 and this new base was formally opened by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on 22 March 1954. While the new Base was named after him, the base was, at one stage, going to be called Mirrabooka, until it was realised the aboriginal meaning was ‘stinking swamp’.

The base adopted a very multi-national feel, supporting a large number of British and Australian personnel as well as RAF and RAAF aircraft of diverse types involved in the weapons trials including rockets and missiles at Woomera and atomic bomb testing at Maralinga.

RAAF Base Edinburgh Flightline: Nigel Daws

In the mid 1960s the British began withdrawing their weapons trials operations from South Australia and thus, their presence from RAAF Edinburgh. Following their departure, Edinburgh was virtually vacant until the RAAF began relocating units to the base.

In May 1968 the first three P-3B Orion aircraft arrived at RAAF Edinburgh with 11 Squadron completing its move to Edinburgh from RAAF Richmond in June 1968.

The base underwent major development in the late 1970s following the decision for it to become the primary base for the RAAF’s maritime capability. This followed a decision in 1975 to establish a Maritime Patrol Wing called 92 Wing comprising both the already located 11 Squadron and moving 10 Squadron with the new AP-3C aircraft from Townsville to Edinburgh.

The AP-3C Orion aircraft is now retired and replaced with the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

RAAF Edinburgh’s modern purpose-built Retail Precinct clusters in one convenient location: open community spaces, essential services, gymnasium facilities, amenities, shopping, dining and retail. On behalf of Defence and in parallel with the Army & Air Force Canteen Service’s core purpose, AAFCANS facilitates the provision of amenities and services for the retail precinct.