The requirement to deploy the 176th Air Dispatch Squadron (176 AD Sqn) into East Timor (EM) to conduct operations out of its normal role and tasks, serves as an excellent example of some of the logistic shortfalls within the Army.
More importantly, it demonstrates the versatility of the Australian soldier, and the ability for soldiers to be placed together from diverse backgrounds to form a cohesive unit.
176 AD Sqn EM never had the opportunity to conduct concentration training before deploying. Most of the soldiers met each other for the first time in country. I mentioned at the last farewells night in Timor, that placing an Air Dispatch Squadron in charge of so many varied tasks was probably a recipe for disaster. I am proud to say that the opposite occurred due to the determination of so many soldiers. In a relatively short time frame, they were able to focus on getting the job done.
The road to deploying to Timor was varied. Prior to becoming part of 176 AD Sqn EM, a large number of the soldiers were involved in Operation Warden with the Force Support Group Darwin, or with the 10th Force Support Battalion (10 FSB) in EM.
Many were relatively fatigued before they deployed due to the support they had provided previously. A total of 156 soldiers served with the Squadron from 6 February – 16 June 2000. They came from 22 different units, which highlights the enormous task given to the soldiers to work together in a very short period of time.
One of the most impressive things I witnessed was
the versatility and the tenacity of the soldiers. Most of them adapted their skills to
perform other trades, and I believe that this was one of the major strengths within the
Squadron.
The following highlights a few examples of how adaptable the soldiers were:
When the Squadron was given the job to prepare to
take over from the numerous tasks conducted by 10 FSB, the capabilities were spread across
almost every one of their sub units.
The daunting task for 176 AD Sqn EM was to take over the responsibilities from the various
sub units, meld them together, then adjust the support from supporting the International
Force East Timor (INTERFET) to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East
Timor (UNTAET). This adjustment occurred on the 23rd February 2000. On that day the slouch
hats were exchanged for berets, and the new challenge began - working with the UN. I am
positive that working with the UN was an experience that everyone will never forget!
The tasks that the Squadron became responsible for were very diverse and are detailed
below. It is a stark reminder that the Squadron was spread across the entire island, and
was employed in every sector. This was only possible due to the ability of the Officers
and Non Commissioned Officers of the Squadron to work and command in an independent
environment. It is a testimony to them. I relied on them to ‘get the job done’,
and they proved that they could in every case. The tasks were:
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I must thank everyone again for their hard
work and dedication. When I look back on what was achieved, I sit in awe of the long hours
and thousands of tonnes of cargo and mail moved. This journal will hopefully demonstrate
the magnitude of what was achieved. It is reassuring to know that all members of the unit
were so dedicated.
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge one of
the factors that allowed everyone to complete their tasks as well as they did. No one
could have worked as hard as they did without the support from their families’ back
home. They are probably the unsung members of the Squadron’s extended family. They
kept up morale with correspondence and goodies, and were often there at the end of a phone
line to be that release when required. I am sure that everyone involved would have thanked
their families more than I could ever articulate. 
The work accomplished in East Timor was done as part of a team.
This journal is no different. I am aware that many personnel have contributed photos and articles to enable the journal to be a comprehensive record of the Squadron’s activities in East Timor.
A specific thankyou must go to LT Dave Schembri for his tireless work in putting this journal together. Without his dedication, mostly in his own time, this journal would never have seen the light of day.
I believe that this journal is a very
important record detailing some of the achievements of everyone deployed as part of the
Squadron. It will enable every soldier and airman (I can not forget LAC Liddelow) to
review it in years to come so they can remember the people, the friendships, the hard work
and the achievements of their time on Operational Service with 176 AD Sqn EM.
From my perspective, it was certainly an honour and a privilege to be the commander of so many outstanding individuals.
Everyone should be proud of themselves and what was achieved.
Please read, reminisce and enjoy.
