F-model Chinook’s first operational deployment

At the request of the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Australian Defence Force provided support following a 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck central PNG on 26 February 2018.

CAPTION: An Australian Army CH-47F Chinook takes off from Mount Hagen Airport during Operation PNG Assist 2018. Photo by Corporal Oliver Carter.

Operation PNG Assist 2018 was the ADF contribution to a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-led Australian response to the earthquake.

C-130J Hercules aircraft, from Royal Australian Aircraft Base Richmond, made multiple flights to affected areas with ADF personnel to support the government of PNG in transporting personnel and supplies to the Hela and Southern Highlands provinces.

RAAF C-17A Globemasters also ferryed ADF personnel and equipment to PNG.

And three Australian Army CH-47F Chinook helicopters from Townsville’s 5th Aviation Regiment delivered aid and supplies to outlying regions.

It was the F-model Chinook’s first overseas deployment.

 

.

.

.

.

.

.


.


.