The base’s contribution to the city will be acknowledged on Saturday when residents turn out in force for the 70th anniversary celebrations.

More than 200 RAAF, Navy and Army personnel will take part in a Freedom of the City parade in Baylis Street to be followed by a community day at Bolton Park.

“The opening of the base in 1940 (during World War II) is historically significant for the air force and we are extremely proud of our 70 years of history,” RAAF Base Wagga Group Captain Bob Rodgers said.

“This is a huge occasion for both the base and Wagga, and we want to celebrate accordingly.”

Group Captain Rodgers pointed out the base has provided countless Wagga links to people living in all parts of Australia.

“Nearly every member of the air force has been at the Wagga base at some stage,” he said.

Group Captain Rodgers arrived in Wagga only this year but he has a strong connection to the base.

“My mother and father were based in Wagga, which is also where I was born,” he said.

The RAAF’s festivities will get under way tomorrow with a ceremonial parade at the base.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin, will be a special guest at the ceremony.

“It’s a big honour for the base,” Group Captain Rodgers said.

The Freedom of the City parade will start at 11am, with the march starting on the corner of Fitzmaurice and Johnston streets and making its way up Baylis Street.

Organisers are hoping for a large turnout at the community day from 11.30am and 4pm.

“This gives the public the perfect opportunity to see what the RAAF Base is all about,” Group Captain Rodgers said.