RAF Hercules Returns From Earthquake-Hit Nepal

A Royal Air Force C130J Hercules aircraft sent to assist the people of Nepal affected by a devastating earthquake has returned to RAF Brize Norton after completing a successful humanitarian aid mission.

A team of 38 RAF personnel deployed for a four-week detachment to assist in aid delivery, delivering over 62 Tonnes of freight to Kathmandu from an airbase in India.

During the busiest period of the deployment, every day would see a crew fly a mission of up to 16 hours, delivering World Food Program High Energy Rations, 10 Tonnes of shelters and tents as well as essential water purification materiel for use by the British Gurkha Engineers in Nepal.

Sqn Ldr Eoin Sands, C-130J Detachment Commander from 30 Squadron said:

‘’It has been a real privilege for me to command this detachment - it has been challenging at times, but also incredibly rewarding. Together, every member of the team has contributed 100% to allow the C-130 to safely deliver much needed aid to the people of Nepal and they all go home in the knowledge that they have made a difference.’’ 

Challenges faced by the team included having to manhandle part of the aid onto the aircraft, a total of 40 Tonnes over four days, due to a lack of serviceable cargo handling equipment. But, the presence of the support elements meant that the detachment was entirely self-sufficient for the duration.

Sqn Ldr Eoin Sands added:

‘’Every single individual we encountered during the entire deployment was eager to help in whatever way possible to help the detachment achieve its aim of delivering aid to the people of Nepal. The atmosphere was one of industriousness and everyone was proud to be contributing.’’

The support team included Engineers, RAF Police, Medics, Movements Operators alongside Safety Equipment fitters and Communications Technicians.

It comes after three RAF Chinooks returned from Nepal after sitting unused in an Indian Air Force base for almost a month. Find out more here.

Library Picture: Crown Copyright / Ministry of Defence / 2014