RNZAF, RAAF and USAF C-130J crews train together in Exercise Mobility Astra

This March, C-130J Hercules crews from New Zealand, Australia and the United States conducted precision air mobility training in the skies above the upper South Island.

The 10-day exercise, which began on Monday at Blenhiem’s RNZAF Base Woodbourne, brings together C-130J Hercules aircraft and crews from all three nations to conduct scenario-based training focused on low-level navigation and targeted load drops.

The benefits of the training are the relationships built, the standardisation of procedures, and a greater understanding of each nation’s operations. Meanwhile the exercise brings challenges such as overcoming slightly different procedures and/or terminology although we operate the same aircraft.

A United States Air Force C-130J Super Hercules departing from Christchurch after picking up supporting equipment | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren

Squadron Leader Adam Palmer, C-130J Operations Flight Commander – 40 Squadron said “The Southern Alps provide a challenging operating environment for C-130 crews due to the high terrain, narrow valleys, and local weather effects.”

“The stunning South Island of New Zealand is both beautiful and humbling. Flying tactical sequences in mountainous terrain with challenging weather conditions has provided valuable training outcomes for our crews that we simply don’t have back in Australia,” said Flight Lieutenant James Bendun, Detachment Commander 37 Squadron, RAAF.

Operating from smaller airfields, such as RNZAF Base Woodbourne for larger scale exercises like Mobility Astra and last years Tūhono Rangi, require supporting elements (fuel, security, movements) to be deployed alongside the aircraft. This allows these units to test their readiness and train in a deployed environment.

A United States Air Force C-130J Super Hercules preparing for a departure from Christchurch to RNZAF Base Auckland | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren

The RNZAF confirmed there likely will be more international exercises held in the region in the future. “RNZAF Base Woodbourne provides international partners with a great location to exercise their interoperability with the NZDF. The Base will continue to support these opportunities in the future,” said Wing Commander Taylor Berriman, Base Commander, RNZAF Base Woodbourne.

Unlike other RNZAF bases, Woodbourne is not home to any operational squadrons. However, it has been a busy period for Woodbourne, hosting Exercises Tūhono Rangi, Wise Owl, Mobility Astra and Skytrain over the past five months. The success of these is a testament to the staff of the base as well as the support the wider NZDF can bring to such events.