Operation PAPUA NEW GUINEA ASSIST : Image Galleries
20 May 2008
Papua New Guinea relief
A series of mudslides in mid-April cut off a main highway in the Papua New Guinea highlands region, affecting the supply of food and other supplies to towns throughout the country.
RAAF Caribou aircraft were in PNG from April 30 to May 9 on a pre-planned training exercise, and were called upon to deliver aid and PNG Defence Force personnel to towns which had been cut off by the landslides.
Amongst the highlights for the trip included one flight with 450 kilograms of medical supplies to Tapini in the Central province, while another aircraft airlifted 900 kilograms of food to the town of Goroka, capital of the Eastern Highlands province.
No. 38 Squadron conducts routine training exercises in Papua New Guinea throughout the year, and is often called upon to assist the civil community by moving people and much-needed supplies and equipment.
Papua New Guinea is a very challenging training environment, with its combination of high mountain peaks and rapidly-changing weather conditions.
The Caribou is adept at flying in and out of the many short, unprepared mountain airstrips throughout Papua New Guinea, which are inaccessible to larger aircraft.
The recent trip continues a tradition of RAAF Caribous supporting the PNG community.
Last November, three Caribou were deployed the Oro Province as a part of Operation PNG Assist, providing humanitarian aid to communities in to following heavy flooding caused by Cyclone Guba. RAAF Caribou have a have also assisted the country during drought and tsunami relief operations.
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| 20080501raaf8143036_9793 Villagers from Woitape travelled by an Royal Australian Air Force Caribou, from 38 Squadron. They were flown from the capital, Port Moresby to Woitape with Medical supplies. Wing Commander Tim Shaw liases with the locals as they help unload the aircraft. (Date taken: 07 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080505raaf8143036_0060 Royal Australian Air Force pilot Flying Officer Michael Read of 38 Squadron helps distribute five cartons of medical aid supplies to the local villagers from Josephstahl. (Date taken: 07 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080507raaf8143036_0060 Flight Sergeant David Farrer keeping a watchful eye out while they are taxiiing into Tapini Airfield. To deliver supplies to the village of Tapini, Papua New Guinea. (Date taken: 07 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080507raaf8143036_0555 Wing Commander Tim Shaw, Flight Lieutenant Ross Benson, Flying Officer Michael Read and Flight Sergeant David Farrer delivering supplies to the village of Tapini, Papua New Guinea. (Date taken: 07 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080507raaf8143036_0557 Wing Commander Tim Shaw and Flight Sergeant David Farrer delivering supplies to the village of Tapini, Papua New Guinea. (Date taken: 07 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080507raaf8143036_0581 Wing Commander Tim Shaw, Flight Lieutenant Ross Benson and Flight Sergeant David Farrer delivering supplies to the village of Tapini, Papua New Guinea. (Date taken: 07 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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