It's not every day you get to meet the Pope.
But personnel from 37 Squadron and 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron did just that - travelling with two C-130Js from RAAF Base Richmond to Port Moresby - to provide air mobility assistance for Pope Francis and the Papal delegation on September 8.
The C-130J transported the passengers, along with the popemobile and his wheelchair, while also being configured for aeromedical evacuation, from Port Moresby to peripheries of the Catholic Church in Vanimo.
Executive Officer 37 Squadron, Squadron Leader Jacob Ralph, said access to these remote communities was made possible by the C-130J's unique capability.
"The combination of capacity coupled with the ability to land on unsealed runways meant the C-130J was the only RAAF aircraft suitable to assist," Squadron Leader Ralph said.
"It was an honour to be able to lead this unique and historical task, and fantastic that every member of the detachment got to meet His Holiness in person before the mission."
For 37 Squadron loadmasters and Penrith locals, Corporals Montanna Kerr and Tyler Dekleva, the experience was both valuable and surreal.
"Corporal Dekleva and myself conducted the PNG reconnaissance for the Pope task in June earlier this year, and then were involved in the planning and execution of the task," Corporal Kerr said.
"It was extremely satisfying seeing the mission through from start to finish."
Corporal Dekleva said they were lucky enough to greet Pope Francis on arrival and were able to interact with him throughout the day.
"It was an incredibly rewarding experience and a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I am very happy I was able to be part of the mission," Corporal Dekleva said.
PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko reiterated to Squadron Leader Ralph PNG's gratitude to the RAAF.
"Our country could not have done this without the assistance of Australia," he said.
