Richmond rises to meet challenges

By Michael Brooke
Volume 48, No. 7, May 04, 2006

FLGOFF Mark Saurins from 36SQN co-pilots a C-130 on deployment in the Middle East. Forty airmen from the squadron were welcomed home to Richmond last month.

Photo by LS Phil Cullinan

* Forty airmen from 36SQN were welcomed home from deployment last month. It was the second rotation for the squadron to the Middle East. 36SQN and ALG personnel are now preparing to take on the challenges of the C-17 aircraft, the squadron taking full responsibility for the Globemasters from the end of 2006. A combined 36 and 37SQN head-quarters opened at Richmond as well.

AIR Lift Group personnel from RAAF Base Richmond are busy preparing to meet the challenge of getting the new Globemaster III aircraft operational, but paused momentarily for a double celebration on April 8.

Air Force personnel took time out to welcome home 40 airmen from 36SQN who returned from deployment and to open the new headquarters building for 36 and 37SQNs.

Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson and Chief of Air Force AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd visited Richmond for the double celebration.

The detachment of 40 personnel from 36SQN successfully completed its second rotation throughout the Middle East in late January 2006, having completed operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Australian and Coalition Forces.

To date, 36SQN’s C-130 detachments have completed more than 1100 missions and moved in excess of 2.1 million kilograms of cargo.

OC 86WG GPCAPT John McGarry said 36SQN and ALG personnel are busy preparing for the introduction of the new Globemaster III heavy lift aircraft.

GPCAPT McGarry said “the C-17 represents a quantum leap in capability for air lift within the ADF and ALG.”

“Establishing C-17 initial and full operational capabilities over the next few years will be a full-time task and new organisational arrangements are required to best effect the C-17’s introduction into service,” he told AIR FORCE News.

AIRMSHL Shepherd announced on April 8 that 36SQN will assume full responsibility for the C-17 from the end of 2006, with WGCDR Linda Corbould assuming command of the squadron.

“Much of the workforce for the C-17 will come from within 36SQN and the C-130 fleet will be reduced commensurate with the transfer of C-130 workforce to C-17,” he said.

This will facilitate the move of the C-17 capability and 36SQN to Amberley when the time comes.

CAF also announced that the current CO 36SQN, WGCDR Paul Nicholas, would assume command of 37SQN at the end of 2006 and will then have responsibility for the ADF’s entire C-130 force, with the residual C-130H force being absorbed within 37SQN.

“The selection of WGCDR Nicholas as the next CO of 37SQN provides continuity of command and leadership as the new ‘super’ C-130 squadron adjusts to operating two very different types of aircraft within what will be the Air Force’s largest flying squadron,” GPCAPT McGarry said.

He said the opening of the new combined 36SQN and 37SQN was warmly welcomed because it finally provided purpose-built facilities for two squadrons whose previous HQs were inadequate for the task.

HQ 36SQN, in particular, had operated in a ‘temporary’ demountable building since the early 1980s, he said.

“The new building, aside from winning environmental awards, is a significant step forward in terms of the provision of living and working conditions for the personnel of both squadrons.”

The new squadron headquarters building for 36 and 37SQNs is the first building in Australia to receive Five Star Green Star ratings in two certifications, Design and As-Built.

 

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