24 July 2009
Parachute drop Shoalwater Bay Training Area
One-hundred and fifty soldiers have parachuted into Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) in a large scale tactical drop as part of Exercise Talisman Saber 2009.
In the early morning light, six Royal Australian Air Force C130 Hercules made their approach to Drop Zone Kapyong, one by one releasing their packets, which included a bulldozer and equipment, and soldiers from 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), 176 Air Dispatch, as well engineer and transport support elements.
The static line jump was one of the culminating events of Talisman Saber 09. It also had special significance for 3RAR, according to Recon Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Jonathan Wick.
“The parachute capability of 3rd Battalion has transferred from a Airborne Battle Group to an Airborne Combat Team (ACT), and the significance of this is it's a highly mobile and versatile force which can insert via parachute into remote areas and areas well above the capability of conventional forces,” said LT Wick.
It was a long day for the soldiers, who had a four hour flight out of RAAF Base Richmond to reach SWBTA for a drop which only lasted 30 to 40 seconds, but it had its rewards.
“As you see, I’ve still got the adrenalin pumping through me, so 1,000 feet, not too bad of a rush, and I get paid for it,” said Lance Corporal Michael Quilty, 3RAR.
“It all happened pretty quick, a big rush, it was good fun and too hard a landing, so excellent,” Private Gopal Staples, 3RAR.
A formation of C-130 Hercules fly over Williamson Airfield as a Blackhawk helicopter waits for it's next sortie.
(Date taken: 24 July 2009)
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Lieutenant Rob Watchorn waits for the order to board a C-130J Hercules during Exercise Talisman Saber 09.
(Date taken: 24 July 2009)
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Air movements personnel manoeuvre a pallet load of packs onto a C-130J Hercules.
(Date taken: 24 July 2009)
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Troops line up at the rear of a C-130J Hercules with their packs prior to departing the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.
(Date taken: 24 July 2009)
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Troops from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, watch as a C-130J Hercules taxies in to Willimson Airfield.
(Date taken: 24 July 2009)
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Troops line up at the rear of a C-130J Hercules with their packs prior to departing the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.
(Date taken: 24 July 2009)
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3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment soldiers, Private (PTE) Nick Grande and PTE Barry Lammind carry their packs to a waiting C-130J Hercules.
(Date taken: 24 July 2009)
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Lance Corporal Sam Miller, a 22 year old Canberra boy, carries his pack to a waiting C-130J Hercules.
(Date taken: 24 July 2009)
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Private Chris Martn, 20 from Berowra, and Private Chris Forte, 21 from Shepparton, share a laugh prior to boarding a C-130J Hercules.
(Date taken: 24 July 2009)
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Soldiers head for a C-130J Hercules prior to leaving the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.
(Date taken: 24 July 2009)
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A C-130J Hercules taxies for the runway prior to departing Williamson Airfield.
(Date taken: 24 July 2009)
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A C-130J Hercules laden with troops from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, takes off from Williamson Airfield.
