Caribou
Leave Solomons
(MPEG video 5.17 MB)
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One
of the two Caribous that were in the Solomon Islands.
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Photo
by CAPT Andrew Bird
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SIX
Air Force aircrew and two Caribou aircraft from No. 38 Squadron
have returned to Townsville and concluded the squadron’s deployment
to the Solomon Islands in support of Operation Anode.
They arrived in Townsville on July 3 after conducting a formation
flypast over the city. The Caribou detachment deployed to the
islands in July last year. During their deployment, 38SQN flew
more than 1300 hours, carried more than 8000 passengers and more
than 700,000 pounds of freight.
Their return reflects the continuing withdrawal of ADF personnel
from the Islands following progress in the continuing restoration
of law and order there. In August 2003 there were more than 1700
military personnel serving in the Regional Assistance Mission
to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), however, since November last year
this has progressively reduced to about 350.
The latest withdrawals will leave about 100 personnel in the Solomons
at the end of August. The rest of the Caribou detachment, based
at Honiara, along with 26 Air Force support personnel, remain
in the Solomons but will return home soon.
The deployment comprised members drawn from 38SQN at RAAF Bases
Amberley and Townsville; a range of supporting personnel from
No. 382 and No. 383 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadrons at
Amberley; No. 323 Combat Support Squadron at Townsville; No. 1
Combat Communication Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond; No. 1 Air
Terminal Squadron at Richmond; an Air Traffic Control element
from No. 44 Wing and an element from Health Services Wing. No.
395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing at Townsville had overall
command of this conglomeration. Aircraft and personnel were rotated
during the operation.
