37SQN crew, RAAF Richmond, stretch their legs on the ground after arriving at Andersen AFB Guam, while USAF personnel look over the C-130J.

Approximately 40 personnel from both the RAAF and ARA were among participants from 16 nations that attended the third iteration of the Pacific Airlift Rally (PAR) at Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam in September.

The Australian detachment included personnel from 36SQN, 37SQN, 86WG, HQAC and 176AD SQN.

PAR is a biennial multi-lateral activity, sponsored by HQ PACAF, Hawaii. The activity is designed to promote interoperability by the exchange of humanitarian airlift, airland, and airdrop delivery techniques. Additionally, it promotes regional stability through unity of purpose in coalition building and international cooperation.

While PACAF sponsored the symposium, Australia has been welcomed as a major participant in its planning and conduct since its inception.

Of the 20 countries invited, 16 attended PAR 01. Those participating included Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the United States.

PAR 01, hosted by the USAFs 13AF and 36ABW in Guam, included seminars, capability demonstrations, a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a concurrent Field Training Exercise (FTX). The activity was based around a humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) scenario on Tinian and Saipan islands to the north of Guam.

A 36SQN C-130H deployed the main exercise party and participated in the entire activity. An opportunity stopover of a 37SQN C-130J, on Exercise Stardex redeployment, provided an excellent capability demonstration and static display for symposium participants later in the week.

While only the USAF, RAAF and FANC brought aircraft to participate in the FTX, all countries participated in the CPX, which looked at the processes and development of effective and sustainable coalition humanitarian airlift operations.

Flying activities involved both day and night airdrop and airland at both Andersen and Northwest Airfields. Outside PAR 01 activities, RAAF ATC and AFENG representatives were given the opportunity to engage with their US counterparts.

While yet to be announced, it is hoped a South East Asia nation will host the 2003 airlift rally.

PAR is a unique military airlift activity. Its continuation, and further development will help develop understanding and cooperation between nations with disparate capabilities for a common humanitarian cause.

By SQNLDR Michael Rosenthal
Photographs by LAC Christine Huf