The ADF has assisted with evacuating 67 Australian and foreign nationals from war-torn Sudan.
Under Operation Carnelian, the ADF deployed two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130J Hercules from RAAF Base Richmond with a small contingent of flight, security and maintenance personnel on board.
The aircraft conducted operational planning tasks in Cypress before deploying to Port Sudan.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) led a whole-of-government response to the conflict in Sudan that required meticulous planning.
Squadron Leader Jamie Minor said the ADF contingent deployed on short notice to establish a staging area in Cyprus, where they met with government officials and assisted with planning the operation.
“Key considerations included the movements of displaced Australians and foreign nationals out of a conflict area while providing them safety and support,” Squadron Leader Minor said.
“The ADF was able to provide rapid planning, deployment and execution in support of DFAT.”
When the C-130J Hercules arrived in Port Sudan on May 2, a team of DFAT and ADF personnel promptly processed and evacuated the 67 people.
Assistant Secretary DFAT Jenny Da Rin said the mission was a success thanks to strong cooperation between Australian and partners.
Among the group evacuated in the RAAF aircraft were 36 Australians and people from the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and Ireland.
