The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) first all-female aircrew took to the skies today to mark the second anniversary of the C-17A Globemaster. Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, said it is not the first milestone of the C-17.

“It has been my great pleasure to visit No. 36 Squadron and their home at RAAF Amberley,” Mr Snowdon said. “And since the first RAAF C-17 arrived in Australia in December 2006, 36 Squadron personnel have supported operations in the Middle East, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Burma. RAAF is developing its ability to use the C-17A Globemaster III in the combat airlift role, where the aircraft can fly into forward airfields with minimal ground support,” Mr Snowdon said.

In May, a C-17 took 31 tonnes of aid at short notice from Australia to Burma following Cyclone Nargis, and later transported two Super Puma helicopters from South Africa to Thailand for the same relief effort. In addition to supporting Australian Defence Force operations, C-17s have supported domestic exercises and training activities in the United States and Malaysia.

Next year a C-17A simulator will be delivered to RAAF Base Amberley. A new squadron headquarters building will be completed by 2010, and upgraded air movements facilities at Townsville, Darwin, Pearce and Edinburgh are scheduled for completion by 2011. Today’s flight led by outgoing 36 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Linda Corbould, also marks the change of Command at 36 Squadron.

“I’m sure today’s first all-female crew will not be RAAF’s last,” Mr Snowdon said. “Air Force currently has 14 female pilots, flying the Globemaster, Hercules, Caribou, Orion and Challenger air craft, not to mention the female loadmasters, air combat officers, airborne electronics analysts, and crew attendants. I wish Wing Commander Linda Corbould a safe mission today, and all the best in her future posting.”