Air Force’s quick smart assistance

Volume 48, No. 23, December 14, 2006

AIR Lift Group promptly provided transport assistance to Operation Quickstep, the ADF’s response to the recent civil unrest in Tonga.

Fifty Army troops and a contingent of Australian Federal Police deployed to the region earlier last month following a request for assistance from the Tongan Government. The contingent has since returned to Australia after a short but important mission to help stabilise security.

A 33SQN B-707 transported the Townsville-based Army personnel, while a 37SQN C-130 transported the police and their equipment.

The B-707 also transported home a number of Australian and foreign nationals after commercial flights from Tonga were suspended. The squadrons then continued logistic support flights for the operation.

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