Cyclone Pam disaster relief

In response to Cyclone Pam striking Vanuatu over 13-14 March 2015, RAAF C-17 and C-130J aircraft from Nos 36 and 37 Squadrons arrived with relief and medical supplies on this day. The Air Force response to the disaster was rapid and all encompassing. An AP-3C Orion from No 92 Wing, already in the area conducting fishery patrols, was tasked to conduct reconnaissance and damage assessment flights, while another AP-3C was dispatched from RAAF Base Edinburgh to assist. No 38 Squadron deployed its Kings Air A350 to assist with both evacuation and damage assessments. Included in this response were personnel from No 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (No 3 AME). On this first day alone No 3 AME assisted with the evacuation of 253 people, 11 of whom required medical care and flight. Around the clock flights delivered additional food, water and medical aid with 200 pallets arriving in the first month alone.