Under a Shining Sky, the Pacific Airlift Rally Flies Ever High
12:15pm on Friday 26th August 2011
25th August 2011, Ratmalana Air Base, Sri Lanka. The sky made up for more than what it drenched yesterday and the crews were wasting no time to make up for the lost time. Pacific Air Rally 2011 was once again rolling full steam ahead.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force C 130 H was the first aircraft to rush into action. Although missing out on the initial part the Malaysians were seen quite eager to catch up and were seen rushing into the sky with much enthusiasm. The USAF C 130 fleet followed suit approximately 30 minutes later with a variety of consignment. The much anticipated US – Sri Lankan joint para dropping exercise was carried out today. There would remain no argument that the exposure which was received would be invaluable for both the US crew as well as the Sri Lankan airborne troops. This deployment also drove home the fact that a paratrooper could be of invaluable assistance not only in a combat scenario, but also in times of natural peril and disaster.
The local printed and electronic media, who missed out on capturing the action up close and personal yesterday due to the inclement weather were accorded a second opportunity. Indeed it was an opportunity not gone astray as the glistening sun provided the centre stage for action. The churning roar of the Allison turboprops went on to add flavour to the air which was filled with adrenaline pumping excitement. Cameras were clicking and voice clips were recorded by the journalists who are well known to make efficient use of every opportunity afforded.
The afternoon hours saw the Royal Australian Air Force C 130 J take to the skies for a low level cross country flight followed up by a cargo pellet delivery. Having come around for a minor check up on an angle of attack sensor the RAAF Hercules had to give way for the incoming Malaysian and US fleet. The USAF C 130s executed a wonderful overpass which was a treat to watch.
For the first time in the exercise, the CPX team which were busy planning and strategising, were given an opportunity to witness the “action” first hand. The entire team took the tour with anticipation to witness at first hand, their plans being executed. The exercise received a visit from the United States ambassador Mrs Patricia Butenis who was accompanied by the Director Air Operations Air Vice Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala and the Base Commander SLAF Base Ratmalana Air Commodore Sumangala Dias.
Whilst the dignitaries, CPX participants, and the media entourage were experiencing the PAR 11 first hand, the Sri Lankan C 130 Hercules, under the able control of Wing Commander Sarike Aranayake and Squadron Leader Prabhash Mahanama took off with the SLAF sky diving team on board. The aircraft quickly ascended over Ratmalana where the cargo bay doors opened enabling the free fallers to mingle with the sky. It was a breathtaking demonstration of skydiving under strong winds but the professionals who descended to earth managed to find their target with precision accuracy. The spectators in their appreciation did not hesitate to greet the incoming skydivers with a hearty round of applause. However, the best was yet to come. The SLAF C 130 then called over the airfield for a spectacular display of aerial mastery. Executing steep turns and low passes from multiple directions, the crowd on ground could not help but watching the spectacular display in awe.
The Sri Lankan C 130 was followed by their RAAF counterpart who called in for a smooth and safe touchdown bringing the day’s action to a graceful conclusion. It must be stated that the effort and enthusiasm poured in by all aircrew were heartening and more than made up for the lost time.
Flight Lieutenant Shyam Ranasinghe SLAF, for SLAF Media
CPX
FTX
The Royal Malaysian Air Force C 130 H was the first aircraft to rush into action. Although missing out on the initial part the Malaysians were seen quite eager to catch up and were seen rushing into the sky with much enthusiasm. The USAF C 130 fleet followed suit approximately 30 minutes later with a variety of consignment. The much anticipated US – Sri Lankan joint para dropping exercise was carried out today. There would remain no argument that the exposure which was received would be invaluable for both the US crew as well as the Sri Lankan airborne troops. This deployment also drove home the fact that a paratrooper could be of invaluable assistance not only in a combat scenario, but also in times of natural peril and disaster.
The local printed and electronic media, who missed out on capturing the action up close and personal yesterday due to the inclement weather were accorded a second opportunity. Indeed it was an opportunity not gone astray as the glistening sun provided the centre stage for action. The churning roar of the Allison turboprops went on to add flavour to the air which was filled with adrenaline pumping excitement. Cameras were clicking and voice clips were recorded by the journalists who are well known to make efficient use of every opportunity afforded.
The afternoon hours saw the Royal Australian Air Force C 130 J take to the skies for a low level cross country flight followed up by a cargo pellet delivery. Having come around for a minor check up on an angle of attack sensor the RAAF Hercules had to give way for the incoming Malaysian and US fleet. The USAF C 130s executed a wonderful overpass which was a treat to watch.
For the first time in the exercise, the CPX team which were busy planning and strategising, were given an opportunity to witness the “action” first hand. The entire team took the tour with anticipation to witness at first hand, their plans being executed. The exercise received a visit from the United States ambassador Mrs Patricia Butenis who was accompanied by the Director Air Operations Air Vice Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala and the Base Commander SLAF Base Ratmalana Air Commodore Sumangala Dias.
Whilst the dignitaries, CPX participants, and the media entourage were experiencing the PAR 11 first hand, the Sri Lankan C 130 Hercules, under the able control of Wing Commander Sarike Aranayake and Squadron Leader Prabhash Mahanama took off with the SLAF sky diving team on board. The aircraft quickly ascended over Ratmalana where the cargo bay doors opened enabling the free fallers to mingle with the sky. It was a breathtaking demonstration of skydiving under strong winds but the professionals who descended to earth managed to find their target with precision accuracy. The spectators in their appreciation did not hesitate to greet the incoming skydivers with a hearty round of applause. However, the best was yet to come. The SLAF C 130 then called over the airfield for a spectacular display of aerial mastery. Executing steep turns and low passes from multiple directions, the crowd on ground could not help but watching the spectacular display in awe.
The Sri Lankan C 130 was followed by their RAAF counterpart who called in for a smooth and safe touchdown bringing the day’s action to a graceful conclusion. It must be stated that the effort and enthusiasm poured in by all aircrew were heartening and more than made up for the lost time.
Flight Lieutenant Shyam Ranasinghe SLAF, for SLAF Media
CPX
FTX
