Air Force logistics specialists have provided vital support to earthquake relief efforts in Vanuatu.
The 23 Squadron Air Movements team at RAAF Base Amberley was at the forefront of delivering critical humanitarian aid to Australia's neighbours.
The first Australian relief flight, carrying supplies and personnel, arrived in Vanuatu soon after the 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck in mid-December 2024.
Logistics Specialist Sergeant David Hulse, of Brisbane, is no stranger to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, with experience gained during a career heading into its eleventh year.
"We received the call to support the humanitarian crisis in Vanuatu and within 24 hours were fully operational, demonstrating our ability to respond in a flexible and fluid manner," Sergeant Hulse said.
Australian disaster response teams were assisted by 23 Squadron aviators in documenting and loading team members and equipment for flights to Vanuatu.
"Our team is used to working to and managing competing priorities daily, with safely getting cargo prepared and loaded being our top priority," Sergeant Hulse said.
"Our response was a perfect example of how air movements can flex its muscles. Everything we were trained to do was tested, and we completed the task safely and efficiently."
'We received the call to support the humanitarian crisis in Vanuatu and within 24 hours were fully operational.'
Numerous C-17A Globemaster flights from 36 Squadron and C-130J Hercules from 37 Squadron supported the operation in Vanuatu, with the aircraft creating an air bridge to deliver essential relief and personnel, along with repatriating Australian citizens and permanent residents.
The air movements team continued to support HADR efforts providing further aid to Vanuatu.
"Depending on the support needed, our members became part of the aircraft complement, balancing tasks on the day," Sergeant Hulse said.
Sharing detail about his role, Sergeant Hulse emphasised the importance of leveraging continual on-the-job learning opportunities and maintaining a level head when on task.
"Early in my career, understanding surge capacity was valuable. It allowed me to learn and grow," he said.
Initially joining with the idea of becoming a loadmaster, Sergeant Hulse found his calling in air movements.
"After being deployed and working in movements, I realised this is the best job in Air Force," he said.
"We handle everything from passenger check-ins to building cargo to load and balance standards, often working in a prepositioned manner."
For Sergeant Hulse, the best part of the job was seeing different parts of the world.
"I've been to Cyprus, Egypt, Papua New Guinea and many other places. It may only be for a short time, but it's an incredible experience," he said.
He also highlighted the crucial support network provided by family, which enabled him to serve and make a difference to communities in their time of need.
