Though target practice is usually the preserve of Air Force’s fast jet squadrons, for members of 35 Squadron a recent resupply called back to the squadron’s missions in World War 2 during the fight for Papua New Guinea.
During their 2024 deployment to Papua New Guinea as part of Defence Pacific Air Program, the crew of the Spartan C-27J tactical airlift platform was tasked with supplying Australian forces on the Kokoda Track.
Rather than supplying troops in contact with the enemy, this supply run was for ADF members completing the trek in honour of those who fought on the unforgiving terrain over 80 years ago.
Tasked with resupplying the trekkers but with no usable airstrip in range, the squadron saw an opportunity to implement a resupply from the air – proving the capability of Air Force to airdrop supplies when needed, as well as ensuring currency and qualification for the pilots in both mountainous operations and contingency air drop (CONAD).
Detachment commander Flight Lieutenant James Champness said CONAD is one of many capabilities of the C-27J.
“This was an example of how 35 Squadron, building from our knowledge and experience operating within the mountains of Papua New Guinea, can effect an airdrop to an unsurveyed drop zone 5000ft up in the mountains,” Flight Lieutenant Champness said.
“Whether it’s the ops team planning the broader schedules and timings, or the movers organising the load, or finally the pilots and loadmasters who thread the needle on time and on target, everyone plays a crucial role in getting the supplies where they need to be, intact.”
For Warrant Officer Steven Burrows (known affectionally by the crew as ‘Rabbit’), his third rotation has seen a marked increase in the interest surrounding DPAP since his first trip in 2023.
“Even though it’s less than a year later, the changes are massive. The response we’ve had from the program has been really positive, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to train our aviators,” Warrant Officer Burrows said.
“Airdrops are always equal parts fun and challenging – from lining up the approach, ensuring the drop zone is correctly identified and clear, and then coordinating the precise speed, altitude, and timing in order to drop on target, there’s a lot of precision required to get it right.”
As for Rabbit’s assessment of the drop?
“Bullseye.”
