PM offers his thanks

Above:Prime Minister John Howard and his wife Jeanette meet members of No.37 Squadron during a visit to RAAF Base Richmond to thank Air Force personnel for their involvement in Operation Bali Assist

Flag-draped coffins at Denpasar Airport

The scene of the destruction in Kuta

PRIME Minister John Howard has visited RAAF Base Richmond to thank personnel involved in Op Bali Assist and congratulate them on a job well done.

Mr Howard, along with Mrs Howard and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston mingled for about half-an-hour with around 150 Richmond staff involved in the highly successful operation.

He spoke to and thanked members of the Aeromedical Evacuation teams and personnel from No. 36 and 37 Squadrons during his visit on November 1.

He also toured one of the C-130J Hercules, which was set up in an aeromedical configuration.

AIRMSHL Houston labelled the Air Force participants in Operation Bali Assist as "unsung heroes", praising them for their professional performance and great teamwork.

• By CPL Mark Eaton

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