RAAF bids farewell, transfers to new locale Published Nov. 7, 2009 By Squadron Leader Clarke McNamara Royal Australian Air Force No. 37 Squadron SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The Royal Australian Air Force is transferring its C-130 Hercules base of operations to another undisclosed location in Southwest Asia in November. Australian forces currently spread throughout the area of responsibility will consolidate their operations to a single location by the end of the year. "Our mission focus has shifted to support operations in Afghanistan," Wing Commander Jack Foley, commander of the Australian C-130 here, said. "Our withdrawal from Iraq and new commitments to the [International Security Assistance Force], necessitated a review of our concept of operations." The review determined that consolidation would yield significant efficiency gains in logistic support as well as reduce fatigue on personnel and equipment. "While we are sad to be leaving our great friends here at the [379th Air Expeditionary Wing], a team supporting our air operations will remain at the [Combined Air and Space Operations Center] and we expect to see our friends around theatre," Wing Commander Foley said. The plan has rapidly come together in recent months and was accelerated recently with the success in supporting ISAF during the recent 2009 Afghanistan elections. The Australian C-130 detachment is drawn from the personnel of No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Richmond. They have been deployed here since 2003, contributing to Operation Catalyst in Iraq, and Operation Slipper and the ISAF in Afghanistan. During the past six years, the Australian Aircraftsmen have completed nearly 11,000 sorties, delivered 63 million pounds of cargo, carried 130,000 passengers and assis-ted wounded personnel during 2,300 Aeromedical Evacuation sorties. "None of the mission milestones would have been possible without the fantastic level of support we get from [not only] our own support elements, but also our great friends at the 379 AEW," Wing Commander Foley said. "Everything from accom-modation and messing to assisting with aircraft repairs has made this mission possible and incredibly successful."