The first P-39s to enter service in the SWPA were shipped to Australia, then assembled at RAAF Amberley AFB, about thirty miles West of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia.

The aircraft were crated in large wooden boxes, and although their assembly was relatively straightforward, there were numerous gremlins which could plague the aircraft.

For a start, for the long sea journey the aircraft had not been inhibited with an anti-corrosive film (later 5th AF sea deliveries would be coated with Cosmoline), and this could affect the instruments and electical systems.

Before the fighters were allocated the Fifth's first combat unit to use Airacobras, the 8th Fighter Group, they were test flown. Here are four undergoing their first test flight. If you look carefully on the nose sections, you will see the remnants of tape where grease paper had been taped to the airframe to protect it.

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