Senior officers from the Air Force, along with family and friends attended the dinner to celebrate the birthday of the squadron.

To honour the anniversary, Griffith City Council awarded 340 Squadron 'Freedom of Entry to the City.' The honour is conferred by a city council to a military unit, and grants that unit the privilege of marching into the city with "drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed."

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Flight Lieutenant Michael Borg said it was an honour and gave thanks to the council, as well as families and stakeholders over the years.

"Without this support from the community we would not exist and be as strong as we are," he said.

Respects were paid to Sergeant Roy Stacy (rtd), a WW2 veteran and patron of 340 Squadron until his death in 2018. Also memorialised were Pavon Sharma, an ex-cadet and Paul Ridley, a civilian staff member. Both passed away in 2020.

"These three members are and will always be a part of our squadron," said Flt Lt Borg.

The fifth birthday of 340 Squadron coincides with the 80^th year of the Australian Air Force Cadets, and the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force.

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