As a C-17 Globemaster began its final approach into Fiji, the harmonious singing that rose above the jet engine's roar signalled the end of a long journey home.
The ADF has continued to support its Pacific partners with an airlift to assist Fijian peacekeepers in their commitment to United Nations (UN) operations in the Middle East region.
Seventy-five members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) were transported on a RAAF C-17 Globemaster III in support of the UN Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI).
The journey began in Nadi, where the RFMF members were farewelled on parade by family and friends at Blackrock Camp in the pre-dawn dark.
After final goodbyes at the international airport, they were welcomed aboard the 36 Squadron aircraft and settled in for the multi-day trip to the Middle East.
The team transited from Fiji through Perth and Diego Garcia, and landed in the sweltering heat of Headquarters Middle East for a rest day before their final trip into Iraq.
According to co-pilot Flying Officer Jeremy McMillan, of 36 Squadron, these types of strategic missions were very rewarding, not only for skill building but seeing capability used in real time.
"Helping the Fijians out directly, picking them up, seeing the family say goodbye, then taking the next rotation back home and handing them back to the families, it's quite emotional for everyone," he said.
'The Fijians were a really friendly bunch, always with a smile on their face and hearing their singing added a personal touch to the mission; it just makes it more worthwhile.'
The RFMF members conducted a rotation with 75 of their fellow countrymen, some of whom had been in Iraq for nearly 12 months, which allowed the UN to maintain personnel in support of its peacekeeping missions.
The excitement on the homeward journey was at an all-time high, with the outgoing RFMF members breaking into song on the final flight from Darwin into Nadi.
"The Fijians were a really friendly bunch, always with a smile on their face and hearing their singing added a personal touch to the mission; it just makes it more worthwhile," Flying Officer McMillan said.
The arrivals were greeted on the ground by Major Anaseini Vuniwaqa, of the RFMF, who was very happy to welcome the peacekeepers home.
"Their families are waiting and waving through the gates and we can't wait to send them back to their families," Major Vuniwaqa said.
"The RFMF is grateful for the Vuvale partnership that we share with the Australian government, and specifically the ADF for their assistance in providing the strategic air lift and bringing our men and women back home."
The UNAMI is a special political mission established in 2003 by UN Security Council Resolution 1500 at the request of the Government of Iraq.
The ADF provides direct support to the UN and other peacekeeping missions in the Middle East region through the deployment of personnel to Operations Fortitude, Mazurka and Paladin.
