Top Stories
Fallen SAS trooper flown home


Volume 49, No. 4, March 22, 2007
 
SAD TASK: SASR comrades carry TRP Joshua Porter’s coffin into the 36SQN C-130.
Photo by CPL Rob Nyffenegger
 
FOLLOWING the recovery on March 2 of the remains of SASR Trooper Joshua Porter from the site of the Black Hawk crash off Fiji, a C-130 flew his body from Noumea to waiting family at RAAF Base Richmond.

An eight-man escort from the regiment accompanied his casket, which, in accordance with the Porter’s wishes, was handed over to his wife and family at the base.

The 36SQN C-130H departed RAAF Base Richmond on March 12, carrying the eight men.

The aircrew, sensitive to the sadness of the round-flight, endeavoured to make their passengers as comfortable as possible.

In his pre-departure briefing, loadmaster FSGT Tim Winship promised them a compassionate and cooperative flight. Pilots FLTLTs Wayne Bayliss and Tim Smith also came down and spoke with them.

While this was going on, flight engineers WOFFs Anthony Bremmer and Terry Freeman carried out their checks to ensure the flight would be problem-free while navigator SQNLDR William Kourelakous ensured the flight would be at the right destination at the right time.

During the ceremonial service near Noumea, New Caledonia, the troopers lifted the casket and slow-marched it onto the waiting aircraft, as the C-130 crew fell in by the ramp as a guard of honour to a fallen ADF comrade.

Upon arrival back at RAAF Base Richmond, the process was reversed as the casket party disembarked and bore the casket to the waiting family on the flightline.