The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin AO, today thanked Air Force personnel on their achievement of delivering more than 100,000 sandbags to Victoria as part of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) support to the Victorian flood response; whilst maintaining support to other operations.
On Wednesday 19 January, Air Force delivered 35,000 empty sandbags to Victoria and then, on Saturday 22 January 2011, it transported 76,000 ADF sandbags from Townsville and Brisbane to Melbourne.
“Air Force personnel are doing a great job, working as an integral part of the Australian Defence Force’s efforts to support flood relief efforts and international operations,” Air Marshal Binskin said.
“Yesterday, a C-17A aircraft transported 16 of our Navy colleagues and their vehicle to Victoria to support Navy Sea Hawk helicopter operations in flood relief efforts,” Air Marshal Binksin said.
As part of Operation Queensland Flood Assist, Air Force has transported more than 450 tonnes of cargo throughout Queensland from RAAF Base Amberley, despite the base being, at times, affected by the floodwaters.
In addition, cargo and personnel have also been transported from RAAF Bases Richmond and Townsville; and King Air aircraft have provided photographic surveys of Queensland floodwaters and damaged properties to assist recovery efforts.
“Air Force continues to support Australian Defence Forces operations around the world, including the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) and explosive ordnance clearing inVanuatu,”Air Marshal Binskin said.
Media Note:
Imagery of an Air Force C-17A yesterday transporting Navy personnel to Avalon Airport, Victoria is available here and here.
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
