Caribous celebrate 60 years Solomons style

The men and women of No. 38 Squadron, Detachment C get into the spirit of the Solomon Islands during a mess dinner in Honiara.

By LEUT Chris Woods

No.38 SQUADRON’S history and highlights flashed by on a screen as Detachment C personnel celebrated 60 years of transport operations at the first official mess dinner of the Regional Assistance mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

The Caribou Squadron’s officers and airmen were seated amid Solomon Islands wood-carvings, the gents donning locally-patterned cummerbunds while the ladies (and men) wore frangipani leis to add a tropical atmosphere to the 60th anniversary gathering.

The Commander of Air Force Task Group 636.2, Squadron Leader Adam Williams said that 38 SQN’s history is a proud one and an excellent foundation for the future in his address.

“38 Squadron has a 60-year habit of getting the job done and that’s a habit worthy of carriage into the future,” he said.

“The Caribou’s future is limited. We have been told it will be withdrawn from service in 2010, but the next six or seven years still hold plenty of potential for employment for our venerable old beast. The people and the role of the squadron are the important ingredients of a future that allows us to uphold our proud habit of getting the job done.”

The Caribou’s work in the past five-years in PNG, Irian Jaya, East Timor and now here has demonstrated the utility of a light tactical transport platform, he said.

“The quality of our people and the job that they do is easily demonstrated by the very fact that the Caribou is still flying at all, let alone so successfully,” he said.

“To ensure our chance of a fine future, we must now focus our efforts in two ways. Firstly, we must ensure the Caribou sees out its days in style, with an undiminished reputation, and secondly, make certain we remain open to the change that is to come and find in each obstacle a new way to get the job done.”

The detachment’s two Caribous, aircrew and maintainers are a vital component of RAMSI’s logistic support effort. They have moved large numbers of people, equipment and stores to assist the Participating Police Force with the re-establishment of law and order.

They have also been instrumental in the delivery of critical medical supplies to remote communities that has lent support to the whole of government strengthened assistance program.

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