 Operating with its new squadrons and aircraft , No. 77 Wing took part in the Battle of Noemfoor , commencing in June 1944 . Wing headquarters relocated to Noemfoor Island in July , followed by Nos. 22 and 30 Squadrons the next month . This was No. 77 Wing 's composition on 25 October 1944 , when No. 10 OG 's name was changed to the Australian First Tactical Air Force , ostensibly to emphasise " the formation 's impressive size and ambitious purpose " . That month , the wing 's aircraft were credited with sinking 24 enemy transport ships and barges in support of the Allied landings during the Battle of Leyte . In November , the wing advanced to the island of Morotai , where it attacked Japanese airfields , shipping , and infrastructure on Celebes . By the end of the year , Wing Commander Charles Read had taken over command of No. 77 Wing , and the formation 's complement had been augmented by No. 31 Squadron , a Beaufighter unit previously based in Darwin , Northern Territory , as part of North @-@ Western Area Command . No. 22 Squadron was withdrawn to Noemfoor in December to re @-@ equip with Beaufighters ; upon its return No. 77 Wing became an all @-@ Beaufighter formation , operating three squadrons of the type . 
