By Flight Sergeant Paul Shannon-Hooper
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A
member of 37SQN marshals a Hercules at RAAF Base Townsville
during Exercise Talisman Sabre 05.
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Photo
by LAC Guy Young
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UNITS
from No. 86 Wing at RAAF Base Richmond played a vital role in
the defeat of red forces during Exercise Tasman Sabre 05.
The wing provided air logistic support for more than 6000 Australian
and 11,000 US participants. The exercise was held from June 12-30,
but units began to arrive in the exercise areas in late May.
As part of the blue forces, the wing deployed Hercules and Caribou
elements. Caribous from No. 38 Squadron supported special forces
as well as other airlift tasks in-theatre. Nos. 36 and 37 Squadrons
provided six Hercules for an Air Battle Group (ABG) insertion,
while three more supported blue force ground forces.
Before deploying, the assigned units carried out intensive preparation
for their roles, comprising familiarisation flights and rehearsals
for the ABG airdrop. Nos. 36 and 37 Squadrons worked in concert
to provide a cohesive para-drop force.
They flew from Richmond to conduct the airdrop of the 3rd Battalion,
Royal Australian Regiment, and the US 1st Battalion 501st Parachute
Regiment, which had come from Fort Richardson in Alsaka.
Meanwhile, the two Hercules from No. 37 Squadron deployed to Townsville
to support blue forces operating in the Shoalwater Bay Training
Area. This deployment came as No. 37 Squadron was nearing its
third rotation of personnel and assets to the MEAO.
Its ability to support concurrent operations in three locations
is a result of its experience and capability. These qualities
have grown significantly through the squadron’s ongoing deployments
on exercise, operational and relief activities.
No. 38 Squadron’s Caribous operated from Townsville and Rockhampton,
and one took a brief “time out” to support the Red Beret
parachute team airdrop at the Rockhampton Show.
For No. 86 Wing, Exercise Talisman Sabre was a success because
of the efforts of all its personnel who were involved. The wing’s
final task was the return of personnel and equipment to their
home bases.
Exercise Talisman Sabre will be held again in 2007, but there
will be no shortage of exercises, operations and other activities
to challenge the wing until then.
