The RAAF C-130 Hercules story began in 1954.
After WWII AVM Alister Murdoch led an investigation to identify a future cargo aircraft to replace the venerable C-47 Skytrain / DC-3 Dakota which had been Australia’s Defence Force mainstay transport aircraft since 1943. The ‘new’ Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft was identified as that replacement, most suitable for the RAAF’s future requirements.
On the 8th September current and former ADF members will gather at the Clarendon Tavern, opposite RAAF Base Richmond NSW, to reminisce and exchange stories about the last 65 years of RAAF C-130 Hercules transport aircraft operations.
Our association cordially invites C-130 A to J Aircrew, Maintenance personnel plus ANY support staff who have contributed to those 65 years of RAAF C-130 operations to gather at the venue for the celebration.
Further information and booking details are available at https://www.trybooking.com/CFHYR
From the Air Force Facebook site:
This year #AusAirForce celebrates 65 years of operating the C-130 Hercules.
The C-130 platform has long been the backbone of RAAF air transport and has played a significant role within No. 36 Squadron and No. 37 Squadron, operating from RAAF Base Richmond.
Collectively, the suite of C-130 Hercules used by Air Force has impressively flown more than 850,000 hours:
C-130A (1958 to 1978) – 148,063.6 hours
C-130E (1966 to 2000) – 307,007.9 hours
C-130H (1978 to 2012) – 244,618.4 hours
C-130J (1999 to present) – 156,857.3 hours
To commemorate 65 years of C-130 Hercules operations, the 37 Squadron Association will be hosting a function on September 8. The event will celebrate and bring together members both past and present who contributed to the operation of all C-130 Hercules variants throughout the last 65 years, and honour not merely an aircraft, but a symbol of Australia’s commitment to service, humanitarian assistance and global cooperation. For further details contact the 37 Squadron Association.
