5000 hours over MEAO

By FLTLT Damian Reitsma

The AP-3C returns from its landmark 5000th hour flight.

The task group commander and chaplain anoint the latest AP-3C to arrive in the MEAO.

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* Orions have flown more than 5000 hours of surveillance missions in the MEAO since January 2003.

ORIONS have flown more than 5000 hours of surveillance missions in the MEAO, with No. 10 Squadron’s Crew Green passing the milestone on March 17.

The mission was a surveillance task over the northern Persian Gulf and southern Iraq, as part of Task Group 633.2, the detachment of Orion aircraft flying in support of Operations Catalyst and Slipper in the MEAO.

The Orions have been flying missions since January 2003, with crews initially operating the P3-C and later the upgraded AP-3C. Their MEAO patrol areas are vast and include most of Iraq and the Persian Gulf.

Task Group Commander Wing Commander Jason Waller said all missions contributed to the International Coalition Against Terrorism and had included direct support to Australian and other coalition sea and ground units.

By fulfilling reconnaissance and surveillance air support roles, the Orion crews had provided vital security for coalition units.

Crews had to fly long distances to reach operating areas in the MEAO from their base, with some flights lasting up to 11 hours. On occasions, the weather had provided additional challenges to the crews as they struggled to find targets in cloud, turbulence and the frequent winter dust storms.

“The high mission success rate, and aircraft serviceability, which has enabled us to achieve this milestone, is a direct reflection of the professionalism and dedication of all personnel at Task Group 633.2,” WGCDR Waller said.

“The whole unit has had to pull together to achieve a milestone like this. There are so many involved, including the cooks who prepare the meals to the administration staff.

Then there are the crews that repair and maintain the aircraft and the aircrew that actually fly the missions. And, finally, there are the intelligence analysts who interpret the results of each mission.

“The Task Group could only achieve a milestone like this by reminding ourselves each and every day what we are trying to achieve – that is the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq and [success in] the war against terrorism.”

When the Crew Green aircraft returned from the mission that achieved the 5000th hour, it was given a warm welcome, with a traditional hosing down by fire engines and the detachment on hand to witness the event.

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