Low flying Hercs as RAAF Richmond hosts Wombat 23 with Republic of Singapore Air Force

If you hear or see low-flying Hercules transport planes from now and over the next month, don’t be alarmed, it’s Exercise Wombat 23 based out of RAAF Richmond, involving two C-130H Hercules transport aircraft and approximately 100 personnel.

Flying for this exercise will be over western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and regional New South Wales from today – Thursday – until June 5.

Exercise Wombat 23 will use airspace and airfields that are commonly used by Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, and will involve day and night-time flying and flying at low level.

There is no planned weekend flying activity for this exercise.

The Australian Defence Force will support the exercise by providing airbase operations and air traffic control services, aerial delivery equipment and drop zone support, and engagement with RSAF personnel.

Exercises include targeted equipment drops…

Exercise Wombat 23 provides an opportunity to further build close working relationships between Singapore and Australia, says the Department of Defence.

In the past, Singapore has provided air mobility support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, including to Australia during floods and bushfires, as well as to the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Australia’s support to Exercise Wombat 23 positively contributes to Singapore’s security, and ensures a safe and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, says the Defence Department.

Pictures courtesy of Department of Defence, taken by Sgt Ricky Fuller.