CARE LIFT

A loadmaster prepares his night-vision scopes for a mission into Iraq to deliver much-needed medical supplies. Photo by CPL Darren Hilder

By FLTLT Christine Bradley and CAPT Phil Pyke

THE Royal Australian Air Force has carried the first load of medical supplies and other equipment for desperate hospitals in Baghdad as the emphasis shifts from the war to the humanitarian effort.

A C-130H became the first RAAF aircraft to land at Baghdad Airport in more than a decade when it made an aid flight on April 13.

Two days later two other C-130s from RAAF Base Richmond arrived in the Middle East with more medical supplies from Australia.

Flying into the region, which was still at war in many parts, required a high level of skill and professionalism from the pilots and crews.

There was a potential threat from surface-to-air missiles and of attack while on the ground, which required a precise tactical operation.

After the historic flight into the Iraqi capital, the aircraft’s captain said, “There was a measure of anticipation knowing that this was the first Australian flight into Baghdad in over a decade. There was also a lot of planning to be done which doesn’t leave time for much else.”

The Herc’s loadmaster viewed the arrival in Baghdad as a proud achievement for the crew and the Air Force.
“This was a proud moment when we arrived but while you’re doing a mission you really are just thinking about the next phase,” he said. “It was probably more when we got back and had time to think about it that the significance of it all really sunk in.”

The C-130 landed in darkness at Baghdad Airport. “We arrived at night in a ‘lights out’ environment, which means using night-vision goggles and infra-red lighting,” the captain said.

“Added to the fact that there may still be people around who are keen to shoot at aircraft meant that we had to be pretty focused on what we were doing.”

The crew worked quickly to unload the aircraft, ensuring minimal time on the ground. In the distance flashes of explosions could be seen.

“We coordinated the unload once the ground forces had made sure that the area was secure,” the loadmaster said.
“Along with the US unloading team, we were operating with night-vision goggles and worked quickly to make sure that we were on the ground for the minimum time. This means that things are pretty busy, but it all went very well.”
Planning for the mission had taken into account the possible threats and the available means to minimise any risk.

The aircraft captain said, “Once we approached the airfield, there was also a lot of support from ground forces to make sure that the aircraft and its load got in, unloaded and away safely.”

The loadmaster echoed this view.

“It’s still a pretty fluid environment out there but there are a lot of people who are there on the ground to protect the people, the aircraft and its cargo,” he said.

Despite the distance and potential threat, the Herc’s captain said the mission went smoothly, with the aircraft touching down within seconds of the planned timings.

“We flew the profile that was planned, which is really important when you’re carrying such an important load,” she said. “Even at the tactical level, there were many, many people who contributed both throughout the Middle East and at home in Australia to make sure that the mission came together.”

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