 The base was ready to support RAAF units by early 1968, though work expanding its facilities continued through 1968 and 1969.In 1984, the Australian government decided to move the RAAF's fast jet base in the Northern Territory from Darwin to Tindal to more effectively control the sea-air gap, in keeping with its strategic policy of defence in depth.After a major upgrade RAAF Tindal became operational on 1 October 1988, the first new manned base to be established since World War II.