DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
CPA 231/08
Thursday, 17 July 2008
HEAVY WORKLOAD FOR HERCULES AS
37 SQUADRON MARKS 65th ANNIVERSARY
Air Force’s C-130 Hercules continue to make a major contribution to ADF operations in the
Middle East as the aircraft’s operator, No. 37 Squadron, marks the unit’s 65th anniversary this
week.
Air Force C-130J Hercules have taken over combat airlift duties in the Middle East Area of
Operations in a scheduled changeover with C-130Hs.
Three Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130J Hercules from No. 37 Squadron will
continue to provide vital intra-theatre combat airlift support for Australian Defence Force and
Coalition elements in the Middle East, supported by a detachment of approximately 160
personnel.
Air Force has operated a Hercules deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations since
February 2003, with both Hercules variants being routinely rotated.
As of July 2008, RAAF Hercules had completed 2194 missions in the Middle East Area of
Operations, for a total of 14,737 flying hours. They have carried 20,760 tonnes of cargo,
93,559 passengers and transported 2283 medical patients.
No. 37 Squadron marks its 65th anniversary this week. Formed on July 15, 1943, at RAAF
Base Laverton in Victoria, the Squadron was initially tasked with transporting Australian
forces throughout the Pacific.
Commander - Air Lift Group and a former Commanding Officer of No. 37 Squadron, Air
Commodore Ian Scott, congratulated members of the unit on their achievements.
“Just as they have done since 1943, the personnel at No. 37 Squadron are providing much-
needed airlift support to the Australian Defence Force,” Air Commodore Scott said.
“No. 37 Squadron is sustaining a very high operational tempo overseas and across Australia.
They are a credit to themselves and the Air Force.”
Initially equipped in 1943 with the Lockheed Lodestar, No. 37 Squadron later flew the
Dakota aircraft until its disbandment in 1949. In 1966, the unit reformed with 12 Lockheed
C-130E Hercules, which it used to support Australian forces in Vietnam. On Christmas Day
1974, No. 37 Squadron operated the first aircraft into Darwin following Cyclone Tracy.
The Squadron re-equipped with new-generation C-130Js in 2000, and in November 2006
became the RAAF’s only Hercules Squadron when it incorporated the C-130Hs previously
operated by No. 36 Squadron.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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