Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA
australian aviation logo

ADF Chinooks, airlifters lend a hand following PNG earthquake

written by australianaviation.com.au | March 12, 2018

Aircrew technician CPL Liam Ferguson looks out of his Chinook helicopter to assess the earthquake damage. (Defence)

Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Army aircraft have been providing humanitarian assistance support to Papua New Guinea’s Southern Highlands following a devastating earthquake that hit the region on February 26.
Three Army CH-47F Chinook heavylift helicopters from 5 Aviation Regiment are assisting local authorities and the PNG Defence Force in distributing emergency supplies, while a RAAF C-130J Hercules and a King Air 350 are providing an air bridge, transporting supplies and personnel between Port Moresby and the Southern Highlands.
An Australian Army Chinook at Mount Hagen. (Defence)

“The current levels of ADF support, particularly the CH-47F helicopters and their ability to reach these remote highland areas, is critical as the number of casualties rises and level of damage increases,” Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne said.
In addition a RAAF C-17 Globemaster departed Townsville on March 10 carrying disaster relief supplies and ADF support personnel.
The C-17 is unloaded at Port Moresby. (Defence)

As well as the aircraft assets, the ADF is also providing additional command, communications, logistic and medical support elements, drawn from Army and RAAF units around Australia, the Minister said.
“The support provided by ADF personnel is enabling PNG Defence Force members to distribute critical humanitarian and medical supplies, including tarpaulins, bed mats and water containers,” Minister Payne said.
The 7.5 magnitude earthquake has affected up to 140,000 people.
CPL Christopher Finch gives a CH-47F safety briefing at Moro Airport. (Defence)

You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member today!

Comments (5)

  • Frank

    says:

    No guernsey for the c-27?

  • Allan

    says:

    One thing the ADF does superlatively well is to rise to any natural disaster within our region, and further afield. Well done ADF.

  • jasonp

    says:

    Don’t need C-27Js if the Chinooks are there.

  • Cameron

    says:

    C – 27 need runways, some or all of the runways in the affected areas may be damaged. CH47 do care for runways.

  • Adrian P

    says:

    That’s the way to go.
    Versatile aircraft creating friendly bonds.

Comments are closed.

You don't have credit card details available. You will be redirected to update payment method page. Click OK to continue.