THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Thursday, 26 November 2009
110/2009
CARIBOU WELCOMED IN POINT COOK
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, has
today farewelled the DHC-4 Caribou from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
service.
“One aircraft was received by the RAAF Museum at Point Cook today, while
another will be presented to the Australian War Memorial at Canberra airport
tomorrow,” Mr Combet said.
“Famed for its ability to take off and land on short and unprepared airstrips,
the Caribou was purchased to replace the Dakota transport with No. 38
Squadron. A total of 29 aircraft were received between 1964 and 1971.
“This aircraft has served in Vietnam, supported United Nations efforts in
Kashmir, and has seen extensive service in South East Asia and across the
South Pacific,” Mr Combet said.
“Australia’s Caribou have had an illustrious career over the last 45 years, and
their record is a testament to all who worked on and flew the aircraft.
“However age, serviceability and performance issues are affecting the
Caribou’s ability to operate efficiently and effectively. As such, the Caribou is
unable to adequately support a vast number of ADF theatres and exercises.”
In the interim, the Caribou will be replaced by the Super King Air, which will
provide a modern and efficient transport capability for the Australian Defence
Force. A long-term replacement for the Caribou will be selected under AIR
8000 Phase Two.
Disposal of remaining Caribou aircraft will be managed by the Defence
Materiel Organisation.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
