Hercules Crews Return to Lord Howe Island

Air Force’s C-130J Hercules transport aircraft crews have returned to Lord Howe Island for essential training following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the completion of other operational requirements.

Judged by aircrew as one of the more difficult airfields to land a Hercules, Lord Howe Island’s airport is an essential link to the outside world during an emergency.

On May 10, crews from No. 37 Squadron, based at RAAF Base Richmond, conducted day and night training to the island.

Commanding Officer of No. 37 Squadron, Wing Commander Anthony Kay, said Hercules crews needed to be prepared to respond to an emergency on the island.

“Lord Howe Island is served by civilian air ambulances, but the range of options No. 37 Squadron can provide in an emergency means we are sometimes the best option to support this community,” Wing Commander Kay said.

“In April 2021, we delivered natural gas and essential groceries when COVID-19 restrictions interrupted a regular resupply shipment to the island.

“Coincidentally, our most recent training to Lord Howe Island came days after the 80th anniversary of the RAAF’s first mission to the island.”

On May 8, 1942, a RAAF Catalina flying boat flew to Lord Howe Island from Rose Bay in Sydney for an aeromedical evacuation of an island resident, bringing her to the mainland.

In subsequent decades, RAAF aircrew have transported shark bite victims, appendectomy patients, and mothers and their newborns to the mainland.

Located 585 kilometres east of the New South Wales north coast, Lord Howe Island has about 350 residents and up to 400 tourists at any one time.

Wing Commander Kay said training at Lord Howe Island benefited Air Force’s broader capability.

“Lord Howe Island provides crews with a challenging runway pretty much right on our doorstep that’s representative of many across our region,” he said.

“Our training here is important because it hones skills that we might employ anywhere, and reinforces just how excellent this aircraft can be in delivering access to our region to support our partners.”

C-130J Hercules pilot with No. 37 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Alex Evans, conducted training at the island on May 10.

“A Lord Howe Island qualification is a fairly respected and soughtafter upgrade for C-130J pilots at No. 37 Squadron, and is something that requires a fair amount of work to achieve,” Flight Lieutenant Evans said.

“It is also highly enjoyable to attain, with beautiful scenery in the area and an exciting test of our flying skill.”

The Hercules is the largest aircraft to operate into Lord Howe Island, and crews need to be acutely familiar with its handling qualities when landing on the 886-metre runway.

“Winds from the north or south swirl around the high terrain and create highly turbulent conditions that, at even moderate wind speeds, can make it challenging to land safely,” Flight Lieutenant Evans said.

“We need to be spot-on with our touchdown point to ensure we can stop and not roll off the end of the strip.

“The size of the Hercules, coupled with the washing machine-style turbulence, makes it quite hard to operate at Lord Howe Island, which is why we maintain a specific training package and qualification for crews to operate there.”

Lord Howe Island has limited airfield lighting, requiring Hercules crews to fly with night-vision goggles when landing there in darkness.

Flight Lieutenant Evans is a second-generation Hercules pilot. His father Air Vice-Marshal (retd) Greg Evans flew C-130H Hercules to the island 30 years ago.

“It’s always nice running into people who my family has a history with and sharing a good story,” Flight Lieutenant Evans said.

“It is a beautiful part of the world, and the people there make it even better.

“While we hope that our assistance to them in the form of medical evacuations and aid is never required, unfortunately, the reality is that accidents and disasters happen.

“When they do, we are very happy that we can provide assistance back to the community there.”

‘I’m rather proud of that one’: Veteran and RSL stalwart passes baton to granddaughter

John Curdie OAM became president of the Epping sub-branch of the RSL when his granddaughter Brittany Evans was two years old.

“Whenever we had a street parade or a function, ever since she was a tiny tot, she was very keen to be marching with me,” Curdie said.

For Evans, 24, attending the marches with her grandfather, now 85, are among her earliest memories.

“Papa would always let myself and my siblings be involved with the march and the veterans, and it was nice to get so excited about it,” she said. “I’d worry that I was doing the right marching technique and all that sort of stuff.”

As an adult, Evans has maintained the tradition of attending the local Anzac Day dawn service in Epping with Curdie, along with other members of her family including her mother, partner and sister.

But this year was special because, for the first time, both grandfather and granddaughter were both in uniform. Evans was there not as a private citizen but as Private Brittany Evans.

“She always comes to the dawn service with me and this year it was as a fully trained member of the Australian Defence Force. I’m rather proud of that one,” Curdie said.

Evans went to university and started a career in marketing but quit last year to join the Australian Army. She told her grandfather she had applied at the breakfast after the Dawn Service last year.

Curdie has noticed a shift in the public perception of Anzac Day over the decades since his service in the ready reserve in the RAAF during the Korean War.

He believes there is growing interest and respect for Anzac Day among the younger generations based on the level of engagement from students when the sub-branch helps local primary and high schools host an Anzac Day service.

“The community is starting to understand that freedom is not free,” Curdie said. “The things we enjoy today, the way our lifestyle is, comes with a price. And I think with present history, we can see what

RAAF Veteran John Curdie with his granddaughter, Private Brittany Evans. James Alcock.

the Ukrainians are paying for their freedom.”

Evans said part of the reason Anzac Day had potentially grown in significance was the recent campaigns from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and other missions.

“You’ve got veterans from World War Two, but then you’ve also got new, younger veterans as well telling their stories, so maybe people in the younger generations can relate a bit more to that as well,” she said.

Evans said Anzac Day had always been meaningful for her and her friends, but this year would have extra significance.

“I guess it means that I’m proud to be serving for my country, and I’m proud of myself for taking the step to follow those dreams of mine from when I was a young little girl,” Evans said.

Curdie said recent rain meant the Epping dawn service could not be held at Forest Park and a smaller event would be held indoors. The event is supported by the City of Parramatta.

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Father Paul Hart Linda Burney MP

Federal Member for Barton

203/13A Montgomery Street Kogarah NSW 2217

Phone: (02) 9587 1555 Email: linda.burney.mp@aph.gov.au

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Linda Burney MP

Federal Member for Barton

203/13A Montgomery Street Kogarah NSW 2217

Phone: (02) 9587 1555 Email: linda.burney.mp@aph.gov.au

WAGGA WAGGA

facebook.com/lindaburneymp @lindaburneymp