Mighty mission

By CPL Simone Liebelt

A C-130 crew from 36SQN prepare to take-off after collecting patients from a Coalition location in Iraq as part of an aeromedical evacuation mission.

Photo by FSGT Dave Pang

THE 1,100th C-130 mission flown since Operation Catalyst began was claimed by one of the mighty stallions from No. 36 Squadron.

The milestone was achieved on December 14 by a C-130H crew during an intra-theatre airlift and sustainment task in the Middle East.

Co-pilot Flight Lieutenant Justin Cook said it was an unexpected but welcome honour.

“We’ve been doing the hard slog and were oblivious to [the number of missions completed], so when they called us while we were airborne to let us know, it was then we contemplated what we achieved, and it was great,” he said.

“It’s a real honour; we’ve been doing a lot of hard work for a lot of years now, so its good to be a part of such a milestone like this. We’ve lifted 2.1 million kilos of cargo, so it’s great to be here for that.”

He said it was also a significant due to all those on the outside looking in.

“I know from the history of the operation that we’ve continuously impressed the Americans and Coalition partners in what we are able to achieve with such a small force in the scheme of things,” he said.

“They constantly take note of how hard we are working and the achievements we make so they are very aware of what we do.

“We’re normally so busy that we don’t really get to notice it, but after the mission you do reflect and take note of your achievements and think that’s pretty cool to be a part of.

“We know it’s really important for us to be here; not only for the Australians operating in theatre, but also the civilian population rebuilding Iraq and our Coalition partners.I think we’ve proved we play a major role in the operation.”

Loadmaster Sergeant Jason Lester said he was also very proud of what they had achieved, despite it being “just another day in the office” and although the crew has flown over Iraq daily, they still realise it is a dangerous place to work.

“There are some things out there during missions that get your heart started, but it we do get used to it,” he said.

“The best part of the mission is when you speak to the guys on the ground and they let us know how important it is to get those stores.

“It feels really good to know we delivered them. Some of the guys and girls out there are doing it really tough.

“It’s also good flying with the Coalition, especially the Americans, because they always say ‘we love flying with you Aussies, you always make us feel so welcome’.

“That’s because we look after them as best we can, in the same way we treat every Australian.”

Once the crew landed after their milestone flight, they were quick to record the honour above the door of the old H model aircraft.

“We take advantage of these situations as much as possible,” FLTLT Cook added.

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