Royal Australian Air Force Supports Australian Efforts For Fiji Emergency

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17th March 2010, 03:34pm - Views: 818





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SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER

Minister for Defence




Wednesday, 17 March 2010

025/2010


Royal Australian Air Force supports Australian efforts

for Fiji emergency


The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner said the Royal Australian Air

Force (RAAF) is providing a C130 Hercules aircraft to move emergency relief

supplies to people in cyclone–affected Fiji.


Cyclone Tomas is reported to have caused widespread damage and

destruction across the islands of the region but especially in northern Fiji.


“Following a request from the Fiji Government, Australian Defence Force’s Air

Force is providing strategic airlift support to AusAID to move 18 tonnes of

tarps, water purification tablets, tents and water containers to Fiji today”.


“The Australian Government has responded quickly to the Fijian

Government’s request for assistance. We have also discussed the disaster

response with our New Zealand counterparts and continue to monitor the

situation in the region,” Senator Faulkner said. 


The C130 departed RAAF Richmond this morning. It is expected to arrive at

the Fijian airport of Nausori this evening.


A RAAF Mobile Air Load Team will provide logistics support to the C130-

Hercules air-crew. Three AusAID staff have also deployed as part of the

Australian Government contingent to work with Fijian Government authorities.


The aircraft will overnight in Fiji before returning to Australia.


Media note: imagery will be available at TBC.


Vision will be pooled by the ABC Sydney.


Media contacts:

Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):

02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181

Defence Media Liaison:

02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664







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