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Australia, US Conduct Airdrop Training in Northern Territory

(l-r) No.35 Squadron loadmasters Warrant Officer Shaunn Segon and Corporal Mackenzie Golightly prepare to perform an airdrop over Mt. Bundy Range in the Northern Territory. *** Local Caption *** On 22 July 23, No. 35 Squadron (35SQN) completed interoperability training with Marine Rotational Force Darwin, conducting two airdrop flights over Mount Bundy Training Area in the Northern Territory. The C-27J Spartan dropped four Light Equipment and three Container Delivery System loads each flight. The United States Marine Corps personnel conducted the Drop Zone survey, constructed the airdrop loads, and performed drop zone safety officer duties on the ground, enabling the airdrop to occur. This training achieved further synergy between Australia and partner nations, strengthening our important partnership with the United States. 35SQN is located at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland, with a C-27J is currently based in Darwin for Exercise Talisman Sabre until early August.(l-r) No.35 Squadron loadmasters Warrant Officer Shaunn Segon and Corporal Mackenzie Golightly prepare to perform an airdrop over Mt. Bundy Range in the Northern Territory. *** Local Caption *** On 22 July 23, No. 35 Squadron (35SQN) completed interoperability training with Marine Rotational Force Darwin, conducting two airdrop flights over Mount Bundy Training Area in the Northern Territory. The C-27J Spartan dropped four Light Equipment and three Container Delivery System loads each flight. The United States Marine Corps personnel conducted the Drop Zone survey, constructed the airdrop loads, and performed drop zone safety officer duties on the ground, enabling the airdrop to occur. This training achieved further synergy between Australia and partner nations, strengthening our important partnership with the United States. 35SQN is located at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland, with a C-27J is currently based in Darwin for Exercise Talisman Sabre until early August.

Australian loadmasters prepare for airdrop operation over Mt. Bundy Range in the Northern Territory. Photo: SGT Pete Gammie/Australian Department of Defence

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the US Marine Corps (USMC) have conducted airdrop training in the Northern Territory to enhance joint logistics operations.

During the drill, the air force’s 35 Squadron deployed a C-27J military transport aircraft over the Mount Bundey Training Area to carry practice cargo of light equipment bundles and container delivery systems.

Personnel from the Marine Rotational Force Darwin served as drop zone officers to assist with the dispatch and oversee related safety measures.

“This is the second time I’ve worked with the RAAF C-27J and it has been outstanding. The flexibility and willingness to work together and do something different has been great,” USMC Aerial Delivery Specialist Gunnery Sgt. Emmanuel Alvarado said.

“This training integration between our two forces provides us increased understanding for future real-world operations.”

Practice With Non-Familiar Loads

RAAF C-27J Captain Flight Lt. Matthew Still coordinated with the Marines to organize the drops and ensure the quality of payloads as they land mid-flight.

The Marine Rotational Force Darwin assembled the airdrop loads a day before the training. Loading inspection was joined by experts from 35 Squadron.

This enabled the Australian team to compare and assess methods with non-familiar loads used by the marine corps.

C-27J SpartanC-27J Spartan
A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan. Photo: Royal Australian Air Force

“We learnt each other’s processes and procedures, then rehearsed and conducted the airdrop to assure mission success when we have to work together in future operations,” Still explained.

RAAF Loadmaster Warrant Officer Shaun Segon added that “some important considerations are ensuring the loads are rigged correctly and that we maintain the aircraft’s Centre of Gravity limitations.” 

“The USMC rig their loads a little differently to ours so we ensure they’re safe to drop and fall within our guidelines and procedures.” 

Tags military testingmilitary transport aircraftRoyal Australian Air ForcetransportUS Marine Corps
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