Deployments and Exercises

As a member of the Air Force you’ll become part of a team that plays an integral role in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, both within Australia and around the world. Here are some examples of some recent Air Force deployments and exercises.

Operation AUSINDO JAYA

Seventy-five Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel were involved in Operation Ausindo Jaya, bringing urgently needed food and other essential supplies to more than 90,000 people in the highlands of Irian Jaya. El Nino had caused severe drought and frost, which, coupled with forest fires, had killed off the staple crop of sweet potato. The Air Force contribution included a transport aircraft from the Air Force's No 35 Squadron, carrying fuel, passengers and freight. It was supplemented by a RAAF Hercules aircraft during short 'surge' deployments from Australia. Air Force engineers carried out airstrip assessments in order to make some of the more remote villages accessible to larger fixed wing aircraft.

Operation PADANG ASSIST

Operation PADANG ASSIST commenced in early October 2009, after the Indonesian Government accepted an offer of emergency assistance from Australia, following two large earthquakes near the Indonesian Island of Sumatra. The Air Force has played a vital role as part of the ADF Joint Task Force 629, working closely with Indonesian authorities, the Department of Foreign Affairs, AusAID and other agencies, to deliver emergency relief to where it is needed most.

Operation CATALYST

Operation CATALYST was the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) contribution to the US-led Multinational Force effort to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq and assist national recovery programs. The Air Force contribution included a logistics support team which worked tirelessly to ensure that all the vital supplies coming into the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) reached those who needed it most. An Air Force Air Load Team also worked with the Joint Movements Coordination Centre (JMCC), providing support in the areas of security, including dangerous goods.