RAAF delivers aviation fuel to flood-affected communities

The Royal Australian Air Force rapidly deployed an aircraft from RAAF Base Amberley, delivering critical aviation fuel supplies to flood-affected communities in western Queensland.

CAPTION: Royal Australian Air Force aviators assist local man Brian Dayes unload fuel stores from a C-27J Spartan in Windorah, Queensland. Story by Flight Lieutenant Imogen Lunny. Photo by Aircraftwoman Nell Bradbury.

Deploying with two hours’ notice, the C-27J Spartan from 35 Squadron successfully transported 5000 litres of fuel to Windorah, following a request from the Queensland government.

Flight Lieutenant David Bolt, the C-27J captain on the mission, said the Spartan aircraft was ideally suited to that kind of task.

“The rapid delivery of the jet fuel to Windorah will ensure the community can continue to use its own aviation assets for efforts against the rising floodwaters,” Flight Lieutenant Bolt said.

“It also assists the community in managing livestock over this period.

“It’s great to be here to support the community.

“It certainly gives you a sense of pride when you’re able to be there to help the people doing it tough at the moment.”

Conducting the task under a Short Notice to Move (SNTM) directive, the 35 Squadron detachment was joined by RAAF Base Amberley Air Movements personnel, who prepared the aircraft to carry the 28 fuel drums from Longreach airport during two separate ‘taps’ into Windorah.

Corporal Tayla Mason, a logistics movements aviator from 23 Squadron, was proud to support the efforts alongside her deployable Air Movements team.

“Working with an SNTM team like this requires you to remain flexible and ready to adapt to changes in the environment,” Corporal Mason said.

“But working on a task like this is so rewarding, especially when helping communities within Australia.

“When we are able to help Australians in need – it is one of the most fulfilling experiences.

“You can see the resilience and kindness in every person you met – especially when you fly into an affected town and everyone is still smiling.

“It makes me very proud to be Australian.”

 

 

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