Goodwill visit by Japanese Hercules to RAAF Base Richmond

[Ken D]

Japan and Australia’s commitment to providing emergency airlift relief in the Asia Pacific region will be reaffirmed with a historic visit to RAAF Base Richmond this week.

For the first time, a Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) C-130H Hercules transport aircraft will fly to Richmond on 14 March.

Group Captain Don Sutherland, Officer Commanding No. 84 Wing, said cooperative visits were vital to the success of future responses to natural disasters in the Asia Pacific region.

“Responding to a natural disaster often requires us to deliver a short notice response and for a sustained period, which makes our relationships with foreign partners so important,” Group Captain Sutherland said.

“This is an opportunity for our Hercules aircrew and maintainers to speak to members of the JASDF, brief each other on our capabilities, fly on our aircraft and understand how each side works.”

“We welcome our Japanese guests to RAAF Base Richmond, and are glad to share with them the extensive experience we have in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief response.”