Flying across the highlands of Papua New Guinea, a Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan conducted airlift operations in support of our close partner, the PNG Defence Force and PNG government.
Part of the Defence Pacific Air Program (DPAP) 2024, the aircraft from No. 35 Squadron has supported PNGDF troop movements, delivered essential supplies to remote areas, and strengthened this special partnership.
DPAP is an Australian Government program to increase presence and the sovereign aviation needs of the South West Pacific, as C-27J Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Ben Howlett explained:
“Utilizing the C-27J Spartan, we’re able to access fields in both the coastal areas and highlands, as well as the islands around PNG to support the government and their Defence Force,” Flight Lieutenant Howlett said.
“The C-27J is particularly adept at operations around PNG as well as Southwest Pacific. It can access more austere fields and lends itself very well to airlift operations, including Humanitarian and Disaster Relief.”
DPAP has provided an opportunity for RAAF aviators to train essential skills and gain experience in conducting a variety of operations in the region alongside their PNG counterparts.
Sergeant Walter Torova is the acting Command Sergeant Major within PNG Air Transport Wing Movements and explained how RAAF personnel have helped develop new skills within his team.
“We have learned a lot from RAAF Movements personnel, demonstrating loading and unloading procedures, strapping and netting of cargo, and how to operate the forklift,” Sergeant Torova said.
“My favourite thing about working with the RAAF is travelling on their aircraft, seeing the different provinces of PNG.”
DPAP and 35SQN also assisted the PNG government delivering emergency relief supplies during the recent earthquake in the East Sepik region, as C-27J co-pilot, Flying Officer Hayden Krammer explained.
“The opportunity to assist one of our partner nations in a time of need is one of the most rewarding experiences that I have been a part of and one of the reasons I joined the RAAF,” Flying Officer Krammer said.
“The days were long but I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Executives of the Defence Pacific Air Program stand in front of two C-27J Spartan aircraft at Port Moresby airport, Papua New Guinea. L-R: Squadron Warrant Officer of 35 Squadron Warrant Officer Nicola O'Brien, Commanding Officer of Air Transport Wing Lieutenant Colonel Doug Vavar, Commanding Officer of 35 Squadron Wing Commander Mark Seery and Operations Security Officer of Air Transport Wing Major Randell Hepoate.
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