Question About 60 Years of RNZAF C-130s Please

[Aharon]

Shalom and greetings all my pals,

Adamski has announced his terrific idea for March 2025 banner contest to celebrate 60 years of RNZAF C-130s and has required any participant to post screenshot of C-130 in RNZAF repaint to win the exclusive right to be displayed in the March 2025 banner.

That got me thinking and wondering. During entire 60 years of RNZAF C-130s, did any of those planes ever see any combat action???

Correct me if I am wrong but I think Australian air force C-130s had combat action in the past. I am jogging my memory and I do NOT think New Zealand's C-130s ever saw any combat action.

Does anybody know??

Regards,

Aharon

[deaneb]

Define combat action? Our C130s flew into many operational theatres such as the Gulf War, Afghanistan, East Timor. I'm not sure about operations in the 60's 70's and early 1980's.

[Aharon]

Define combat action? Our C130s flew into many operational theatres such as the Gulf War, Afghanistan, East Timor. .

You just defined combat action with your answers. I never knew that New Zealand air force participated in Gulf War and Afghanistan!!!!

Regarding your answer about East Timor, I checked the history of East Timor and you are right!!! I am surprised and amazed to read that New Zealand air force helped Australian military operations there and according to history, New Zealand special forces (SAS) were first to land and seize the international airport and port in East Timor. Interesting history.

I'm not sure about operations in the 60's 70's and early 1980's.

I hope somebody can answer my question for those specific year range that you mentioned.

Once again, thanks for cool answers.

Regards,

Aharon

[Splitpin]

40 Squadron operated in Vietnam during that war, providing troop transport for military and non-military personnel and resupply runs....from 1962.

https://vietnamwar.govt.nz/photo/c-130- ... s-vung-tau

New Zealand has been actively involved , in some capacity, in just about every combat arena that involved the U.S or British governments, since and including WW1.
Vietnam was no exception. The RNZAF provided mainly logistical support , and in the early days using a few almost WW2 vintage aircraft...the HP Hastings and Bristol Freighter until the C-130 came online....and of course the UH-1's.

40 Sqn was also involved in the evacuation of Saigon, bringing refugees back to NZ.
RNZAF pilots were also flying USAF aircraft in the FAC role , Cessna 02s and the Bronco.

But back to your question on the C-130's in combat zones, Yes , and (if asked) in every humanitarian event, where ever for the last 60 years...not too bad for just 5 aircraft !

[Aharon]

Splitpin,

Thanks for very cool explanations to fill the years from 1960s to 1980s concerning combat action of C-130s by RNZAF.

Regards,

Aharon

[Splitpin]

Splitpin,

Thanks for very cool explanations to fill the years from 1960s to 1980s concerning combat action of C-130s by RNZAF.

Regards,

Aharon

You're welcome