GULF DUTY
14 Hornets, 3 Hercs deployed

Maintenance workers inspect an F/A-18 Hornet before its deployment to the Middle East. Photo by SGT Mark McIntyre

Work is carried out on a C-130 Hercules. Photo by CPL Ashley Roach

A SQUADRON of fighters and three transport aircraft have flown to the Middle East as part of the Air Force’s commitment to Operation Bastille.

The 14 F/A-18 Hornets and three C-130 Hercules have been sent as the forward deployment of Air Force elements to prepare for a potential campaign against Iraq.

Two C-130H and one C-130J Hercules aircraft, along with aircrew and support personnel, were farewelled from RAAF Base Richmond last Friday.

The C-130s will transport troops and equipment in the Area of Operation.

They are joined in the Middle East by 14 Hornets and support personnel, which left from RAAF Base Tindal last Saturday.

An Air Forward Command Element, responsible for coordinating air operations with coalition partners and controlling Air Force assets, is also involved in the operation.

The deployment of Air Force aircraft, along with other Australian Defence Force elements, is designed to strengthen the United Nations disarmament process by placing pressure on Iraq to end its weapons of mass destruction program.

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston, who helped farewell the deploying personnel, wished them a safe and successful mission.

“It is important to understand that it is you, the people, who are making this vital contribution to Australia’s interests and to our part in the international coalition against terror, rather than the aircraft you fly, operate, maintain, support and protect,” AIRMSHL Houston said.

“For we need to remember that without the men and women comprising these deployments, and more broadly the people who support them, the aircraft by themselves would achieve little.”

AIRMSHL Houston stressed that the personnel were well led, well trained and prepared for the effort and challenges ahead.

“I know that you will enhance our reputation in Air Force and continue to uphold our Air Force values, as they underpin all your actions,” he said.

“And in your service of Australia, we appreciate the personal commitment from you all to the job at hand, as you forgo the comforts and security of home to contribute to the promotion of peace and security from international terror.”

AIRMSHL Houston assured members’ families and loved ones that their commitment was also appreciated.

“Finally, good luck. I wish you well – return home safely,” he said.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said Australian Defence Force members would not be committed to a military operation against Iraq unless all options for a peaceful resolution had been explored.

“But we have decided to forward deploy some ADF elements to step up pressure on Saddam Hussein and to ensure that personnel are fully prepared in the event that a diplomatic solution cannot be found,” Senator Hill said.

“While the public debate continues, I would like to assure all ADF personnel and their families that they have the full support of the Government and the community.”

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