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A reunion will be held on July 19 bringing together past members of the RAAF’s C-130E community. Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the formation of 37SQN, the event will be held at the Windsor RSL and is being organised by former C-130E loadmaster Col Coyne.
“Our reunion will be a venue for former C-130E aircrew and maintenance personnel to reminisce before the memories of our exploits are forever lost to history,” Coyne said.
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A fleet of 12 E-model Hercules was delivered to 37SQN in 1966, providing a considerable boost to Australia’s airlift capacity during the Vietnam War. The ‘E’s held status as the air force’s strategic airlifter for overseas operations, but was also a common sight on transport flights within Australia, including in the aftermath of cyclone Tracy.
In 1975, as South Vietnam fell to the North Vietnamese army, four C-130Es joined the wider effort to evacuate orphans under Operation Babylift, as well as evacuate Australian and Vietnamese citizens.
In the twilight of their service, four C-130Es were flown by 36SQN as the C-130J was introduced to 37SQN service.
More information about the reunion is available from here.
Members who are interested in attending can contract Col Coyne on [email protected]
