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In November 2008 the Royal Australian Air Force will celebrate fifty years of outstanding achievements by its enduring ‘work horse’ - the C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Some old and some new squadron members got together during the first weekend in November to celebrate the great achievement of the Hercules' 50 years of service.

The Squadron has seen active service flying transport aircraft during World War II, the Berlin Airlift and the Korean War flying Dakotas as part of 86 Transport Wing which comprised of 36 - 37 - 38 Sqds.

From 1958 to 2006 No 36 operated C-130 Hercules transports from RAAF Richmond in support of the forces in Vietnam and the Iraq war in 2003. As well they have supported the peace keeping operations around the world in Somalia, Cambodia and East Timor

Today three RAAF Hercules are based in the Middle East and continue to provide vital air lift support to Australian and Coalition Forces.

Air Marshal Mark Binskin said " In recent years our C-130 have seen more active duty than any other aircraft in the RAAF." As well it has been utilised in Cyclone Tracy, the Boxing Day Tsunami and the Bali bombings.

So the boys of 36 Squadron Richmond put on a party to celebrate the 50 years of achievement.

They came from far and wide to celebrate and to remember and stand in awe of such an enduring aeroplane.

Known as tactical transport the primary role of the C-130 is the movement of personnel and equipment, this includes special forces insertion, parachuting and the airdrop of equipment ranging from 4WD vehicles to inflatable boats and artillery pieces.

From the third Commanding Officer of "The 36" SQDLDR (Ret'd) David Hitchins to the youngest and latest AC Reichardt ( who has just been posted to 37 Squadron ) the history of the Wing was passed on whilst cutting a birthday cake together.

RAAFA V/P Kevin Sylvester saying farewell to Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston who enjoyed the evening re-equating himself with
the 'Herc' which he flew when commanding 86 Wing in 1994-95.

" In marking 50 years of C-130 service, we recognise the dedication of the thousands of air crew, ground and support personnel and contractors who have worked hard to fly and maintain the Hercules in Australia and in deployed locations around the world."

Air Marshal Mark Binskin
Chief of the Air force