The future roles of the Air Force’s celebrated C-130 Hercules squadrons were formally acknowledged today with a parade held at RAAF Base Richmond. The parade was held to farewell No 36 Squadron and signifies the merger of the Hercules operating units to No 37 Squadron. In the lead up to the arrival of the Boeing C-17 Globemaster in December, No 36 Squadron will relocate to RAAF Base Amberley at the end of the year. With the Air Force preparing to enter this new era in of Air Lift Capability, today’s parade gave Senior Air Force representatives, base and squadron personnel the opportunity to formally recognise the important work of the Hercules community and welcome new Commanding Officers for both Squadrons.

Reviewing Officer for the Parade, Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd AO, said he was honored to be present at this historic event. “36 Squadron has been a part of the local Richmond community and at the heart of Air Lift Group operations since the seventies and it is with mixed emotions that we farewell these men and women today,” Air Marshal Shepherd said. “There is no doubt that the future will bring many challenges for both 36 and 37 Squadrons, but I am sure that the shared and on-going commitment to professionalism, dedication and hard work will see them continue to achieve outstanding successes, such as those we have seen over the past few years, be it at home in Australia or overseas on operations”.

Joining the Chief of Air Force at the parade were the Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal John Quaife, AM, Commander Air Lift Group, Air Commodore Glen Steed and Base Commander RAAF Base Richmond, Wing Commander Tracey Simpson as well as former Squadron Commanders and past and present personnel. 36 Squadron became the first RAAF unit to fly the Hercules when it accepted delivery of 12 C-130A models to Richmond in 1958. In 1978, the Squadron replaced the C-130A with the C-130H Hercules. Today, 36 Squadron will formally handover its 12 C-130H Hercules to its sister unit, 37 Squadron, who will continue to operate the H-model with its existing 12 C-130J Hercules.

Under this merger, 36 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Paul Nicholas, will take over as commanding officer of 37 Squadron. Wing Commander Linda Corbould, who has overseen the RAAF’s program to accept the new C-17, will today take over as Commanding Officer of 36 Squadron.