Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

On Saturday 12 April the Minister for Defence launched Operation Baghdad Assist. The Operation will involve the provision of medical supplies to hospitals in Baghdad in order to relieve the humanitarian situation. As part of an immediate response, surplus medical supplies are currently being transported from HMAS Kanimbla to Baghdad on an Australian C-130 aircraft.

Overnight, medical supplies have been delivered to RAAF Base Richmond and packaged for transport. These stores are being supplied by a number of organisations including civilian agencies and corporations, the NSW Department of Health and the ADF. Two Australian C-130 aircraft will be used to transport the supplies to the Iraqi capital.

Vision of the arrival of these supplies will be made available from the Directorate of Media Liaison.

The media are invited to observe the packing and loading of the C-130 aircraft and the subsequent departure of the aircraft today at RAAF Base Richmond.

Media are to arrive at the front gate of RAAF Base Richmond no later than 9.00am.

Contact:

SQNLDR Lindsay Dooley

Public Affairs Head Quarters Air Command

0418 269 686