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For the first time, a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force C-130H Hercules transport aircraft will make a three-day goodwill visit to RAAF Base Richmond from March 14.
The visit is aimed at reaffirming commitment between the two services in providing emergency airlift relief in the Asia -Pacific region.
Officer Commanding No. 84 Wing Group Captain Don Sutherland said co-operative 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. 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.”
The visit comes a year after RAAF C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft provided assistance Japan to in the wake of the 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami. Last month, a RAAF C-130H Hercules took part in Exercise Cope North with American Hercules crews, practicing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief response scenarios with Japanese observers.
