By
Squadron Leader Paul Lineham
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The
crew members of the 1000th C-130 mission.
From left:
Pilot – FLTLT David Jackson;
Co-Pilot – FLGOFF Mark Saurins;
Flight Engineer – FSGT Randall Law; Navigator –
FLGOFF Conan Brett; Loadmasters – WOFF Huey Baldwin
and WOFF Dennis Matthews.
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Photo
by AB Philip Cullinan
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A
SIGNIFICANT milestone was celebrated on September 1 when a C-130
flew the 1000th mission in Iraq in support of Operation Catalyst.
Two C-130 aircraft, normally based at RAAF Base Richmond, are
deployed to the Middle East as part of the Australian Government’s
contribution to the Coalition Force’s reconstruction and
rehabilitation of Iraq.
The No. 36 Squadron C-130H aircraft undertaking the mission flew
a sustainment flight to Baghdad, before returning via an air base
in southern Iraq near where the Al Muthanna Task Group operates.
The two C-130s in theatre are primarily involved with other Coalition
transport aircraft transporting troops and supplies into forward
operating areas in Iraq, as well as playing the vital role of
speedy aero medical evacuations of wounded personnel to a hospital
in a safe area.
On the 1000th mission, the C-130 carried 40 troops and assorted
baggage and cargo to Baghdad. Part of the mission profile involved
tactical low-level flying approaching and departing Baghdad.
The achievement of the 1000th mission, and the 96 per cent serviceability,
is a testament to the hard work of the maintenance crew who often
work in temperatures of about 50 degrees Celsius to keep the aircraft
ready for service.
