4RAR(Cdo) soldiers provide security protection while valuable medical supplies are unloaded from the C130 at Baghdad International Airport. Photo by Cpl Darren Hilder, 1JPAU(P)

4RAR(Cdo) lands in Baghdad

From Capt Phil Pyke in the Middle East

EXPLOSIONS flashed in the night sky as a squad from 4RAR (Cdo) fanned out from the rear of a RAAF C130H at a darkened Baghdad International Airport.

The touchdown was the end result for pallets of medical aid destined for the Iraqi people.

4RAR(Cdo) provided force protection for this initial aid delivery, including much needed drugs and antibiotics.

The delivery was a combined effort between Defence and Government agencies as part of Op Baghdad Assist.

The operation is part of the Government’s commitment to humanitarian assistance for the people of Iraq.

Some of the aid was drawn from HMAS Kanimbla’s surplus medical stores and transferred into Kuwait via the ship’s Sea King and assisted by the Sea Hawk from HMAS Darwin.

Carried out under the command of Australian National Head Quarters – Incident Response Team, the humanitarian operation was planned and executed, while the Headquarters continued with its daily routine of supporting coalition operations within Iraq.

The Incident Response Team sourced additional medical supplies from US Force Medical System and other stores from Kuwait to supplement those from HMAS Kanimbla for the first delivery into the war torn city.

The medical supplies being dispatched include the whole range essential items from, IV Fluid, blood bags, gauze bandages, surgical dress such as face masks and gloves, syringes, splints, disposable surgical kits, suture kits, drugs and wound dressings

With media reporting nearly 40 of Baghdad’s hospitals damaged during war and civil unrest, and the lines of casualties growing, the Australian Government responded by providing this first flight of medical aid into the region.

More medical assistance for the Iraqi people has recently left Australia on two RAAF C130 Hercules from RAAF Richmond.
Medical supplies were delivered to Richmond where ADF personnel worked throughout the night to prepare and package the supplies for departure on the C130s from 37 Sqn.

Battle damage to the runway at Baghdad International Airport saw the RAAF C130 Hercules land on a taxiway in tactical operation. The pilots and crew worked under night vision.

The aircraft unloaded with its propellers still turning, in case of the need for an urgent take off.

As US forces unloaded the pallets, members of 4RAR(Cdo) took up positions around the aircraft, providing a high level of force protection on the darkened taxiway.

Their presence served as one of reassurance with the flash of explosions observed in the distance.

This was a reminder that parts of Iraq, and Baghdad, are still at war, and to the north battles were still being fought.

Under night vision, the commandos watched into the distance for any potential threat to the aircraft or crew, during the 15-minute unload.

As the last pallet of aid was taken from the aircraft, preparations began for immediate departure. 4RAR(Cdo) were the last to move back into the C130, still watching towards the perimeter.

Quickly the aircraft took off, climbing steeply and dropping flares against the threat of surface to air missiles.

Despite their small numbers, 4RAR(Cdo) certainly provided a strong representation for the Army during this first phase of Op Baghdad Assist.

The ability of Defence to respond quickly with the launch of Op Baghdad Assist was due to the close cooperation across a number of government departments including the Department of Health and Ageing, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, AUSAID and the NSW Health Department.

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