Top time for young guns
A GROUP of air force and army cadets have been given a bird’s eye experience of the capabilities of one of Australia’s most important defence assets.
Ninety cadets boarded a C-130J Hercules for a “patch ride” over Hobart and down the Tasman Peninsula — with the ramp at the back of the huge aircraft open throughout the flight.
In command of the plane was Flight Lieutenant Christopher Dawson, who said it was great to get the Hercules down to Tasmania.
“These guys on board are the people most likely to join us later in their lives. It was great to get the aircraft down to Hobart and show them what it was all about,” Flight Lieutenant Dawson said.
Wing Commander Raylene Harwood said the flight was a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for the group.
“I know people who have never been on board a Hercules in their whole career with the air force,” she said.
The Hercules C-130J which undertook the educational exercise is currently tasked.
“37 Squadron and 29 Squadron have worked miracles to get this aircraft here today,” Wing Commander Harwood said.
For decades, the C-130 Hercules has delivered humanitarian aid and disaster relief around the world and supported those troops deployed abroad.
The aircraft was the first on the scene to take aid to the victims of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Indonesia.
Fourteen year old air force Cadet Josh Aldridge said he had “loved” the chance to get up on board. “The experience was really good. I loved it and loved the landing,” he said.
Also on board was air force cadet Bethany Eaton, who said she was still not sure if she wanted to join the air force as a career but she had really enjoyed learning more about the aircraft and its capabilities.
Former Hercules pilot Wing Commander Linda Corbould said even the cadets with “sick bags” still appeared to have had a great time.