5000 hours of border protection

Aircrew and maintenance personnel from No. 92 Wing who have made a major contribution to Operation Relex.

By Deanna Nott

Crews from No. 92 Wing have reached a major milestone, flying 5000 hours to the north of Australia as part of Operation Relex.

Crew Four of No. 11 Squadron clocked up the 5000th hour on January 24.
92WG has been operating continuously since August 31, 2001, in support of the Federal Government’s border protection policy.

The wing is currently maintaining a detachment of aircrew, maintenance and support personnel and aircraft at RAAF Base Darwin to support Operation Relex.

Since beginning Operation Relex, 92WG has achieved a 98 per cent launch rate for sorties thanks to the excellent efforts of maintenance personnel.

Commander Maritime Patrol Group Air Commodore Graham Bentley said the border protection operations performed by Defence and Customs had been successful in deterring unauthorised boat arrivals.

“MPG has been making a solid contribution to this operation and I believe it is important for the Air Force and wider community to be aware of our efforts,” he said.

“The men and women of MPG have been working extremely hard during the past couple of years and now with two aircraft deployed to the Middle East, we, at home, are working even harder to ensure that we meet the Government’s objectives.”

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