With 20 people providing the muscle to drag a 36-tonne C-130J over 10m, No 37 Squadron recently raised $1000 for the Special Olympics. They were among more than 700 NSW law enforcement and emergency services personnel who competed in the recent RAAF Base Richmond Emergency Services plane pull. For the third year in a row, the event was won by the NSW Police Force’s Public Order and Riot Squad. But No 37 Squadron finished 10th and was pleased with the fundraising effort. The event was part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raises money to support the Special Olympics and about $20,000 was raised overall.
The C-130J, which is capable of carrying 20 tonnes of cargo, had a towbar and rope specially fitted to its nose wheel for the event.
Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Roberts said it was tough. „My leg and arm muscles were killing me afterwards,” LAC Roberts said. LAC Crighton said the task of hauling a Herc was not as hard as it looked. „Once it starts to move it rolls quite fast,” he said. But LAC Roberts said the team was disappointed it did not qualify for the final, as it has in other years. He said the team, which had the advantage of being able to train with the aircraft, would train harder next year. „It’s a really worthwhile cause,” he said.
Source / Author: RAAF