No. 37 Squadron took over operational responsibility of the Air Force fleet of C-130H airframes in November 2006 when 36SQN HQ relocated to RAAF Base Amberley in preparation for the squadron to undertake conversion training and delivery of their new C-17 Globemaster airframes.
The 37SQN H Models initially remained in the tactical role while the J Model crews commenced consolidation training to move from being a traditional strategic airlift squadron to being a combat air mobility squadron.
To consolidate that training the H model airframes and crews alternated on rotations to the MEAO with C-130J-30s and crews between 2006 and 2008 when the J model aircraft and crews took over, with a permanent detachment in the MEAO on four month rotations which still continues to date (2018).
The C-130H airframes were decommissioned in November 2012, End of Era function, RAAF Richmond, 24th November 2012.
2 x C-130H final flights crew members.
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
November 20, 2011 ~ The Federal Government today announced four C-130H Hercules from RAAF Base Richmond, in Sydney’s northwest – worth an estimated $30 million – will be gifted to the Indonesian government for disaster relief and humanitarian work in the first military swap of its kind.
The agreement struck yesterday in Bali between Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono marked a series of new strategic partnerships in what appeared a peace offering to soothe tensions about Australia’s deal to host more US troops on our soil.
29 July 2013 ~ Defence Minister Stephen Smith said that during his visit to Jakarta in April this year, the Australian government reiterated its willingness to sell five C-130H aircraft, along with a simulator and spare parts, to Indonesia at a discounted rate. This offer was in addition to the four C-130H aircraft that Australia is currently in the process of transferring to Indonesia.
The C-130H airframes arrival, RAAF service and disposal is detailed below:
A97-001 ~ Delivered to 36SQN 07/78, transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. Gifted to Indonesia, now TNI-AU serial A-1333
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
A97-002 ~ Delivered to 36SQN 07/78, transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. Sold to Indonesia, now TNI-AU serial A-1337
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
A97-003 ~ Delivered to 36SQN 07/78, transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. Gifted to Indonesia, now TNI-AU A-1332
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
A97-004 ~ Delivered to 36SQN 08/78, transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. Sold to Indonesia, now TNI-AU A-1335
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
A97-005 ~ Delivered to 36SQN 08/78, transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. Sold to Indonesia, was TNI-AU A-3334 ~~16/12/2016 aircraft crashed on approach to land at Wanamon, Papua. All 13 aboard perished.~~
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
A97-006 ~ Delivered to 36SQN 08/78, transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. Gifted to Indonesia, now TNI-AU A-1330
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
A97-007 ~ Delivered to 36SQN 09/78, transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. Sold to Indonesia, now TNI-AU A-1336
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
A97-008 ~ Delivered to 36SQN 09/78, transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. Sold to Indonesia. Refurbishment completed July 2018, remained at Richmond until February 2020 due ‘diplomatic issues’.
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
A97-009 ~ Delivered to 36SQN 09/78, transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. Gifted to Indonesia TNI-AU A-1331
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
A97-010 ~ Delivered to 36SQN 10/78, transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. ~~~Flight deck removed to the Australian War Memorial (AWM), Canberrra~~ Rest of fuselage was combined with A97-012 as C-130J-30 simulator Loadmaster training aid.
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
A97-011 ~ Delivered 36SQN 10/78, 01/1983 fitted with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS). Operated from Hamilton, Mangalore and East Sale in support of Victorian Forestry Commission.
Transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. Final flight on 8/12/2012, flown to RAAF Museum Point Cook.
~~~~~ OOooOO ~~~~~
A97-012 ~ Delivered to 36SQN 10/78, transferred to 37SQN 17/11/2006, Decommissioned 30/11/2012. Fuselage to be combined with A97-010 as C-130J-30 simulator Loadmaster training aid.
~~~~~~~ OOOoooOOO ~~~~~~~