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RAAF 37SQN prepares for 75th anniversary celebration

written by australianaviation.com.au | May 22, 2018

A flare drop from a 37SQN C-130J Hercules aircraft during T150 Townsville Defence Force Air Show. (Defence)

The RAAF’s 37 Squadron will celebrate its 75th anniversary on July 14, and is calling for all past squadron members to join current members for a hangar bash at its home base of RAAF Richmond.
The squadron was formed at RAAF Base Laverton in July 1943, and has provided airlift to the ADF since. “The squadron was formed as the Allies took an upper hand in the War in the Pacific,” Commanding Officer WGCDR Matt Cooper said.
“As the Allies advanced through the Pacific, there was a greater need for air transport to carry people and cargo, both within Australia and throughout the region.”
37SQN operated the C-130E Hercules. (Defence)

Initially equipped with Lockheed Lodestar aircraft, the unit re-equipped with the Douglas Dakota (C-47) in January 1945, the Lockheed C-130E Hercules in 1968, and the current C-130J-30 Hercules in 1999.
The unit has served in New Guinea, the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia), Japan and Vietnam, on numerous humanitarian missions in our wider region, and has had an almost continuous presence in the Middle East Area of Operations since 2006.
“It’s easier now for us to connect past members of No. 37 Squadron with the present squadron, using Social Media to share our stories and learn about the current achievements,” Col Coyne, a former Loadmaster and President of the No. 37 Squadron Association said. “The 75th Anniversary however is an opportunity to celebrate our history under the one roof.”
Those who wish to attend can purchase their tickets here.

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Comments (3)

  • Bill

    says:

    37 Sqn also operated the C-130H from 2006 to 2012 until after they “adopted” them from 36 Sqn when they moved to Amberley to operate the C-17

  • Josh James

    says:

    Fast jets move the headlines but transports move the world! Congrats to 37 Squadron of your 75 years of service.

  • Scott Marshall

    says:

    “C-130J-30 Hercules” — It’s the C-130J-30 Super Hercules 😉

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