37SQN Hercules and 11SQN Orions in the MEAO

Pictured is a P3 Orion parked at the airbase in the United Arab Emirates.

Mid Caption: No. 37 Squadron (37SQN) Hercules provide cargo and personnel airlift capability to the ADF in the MEAO. 37SQN currently operates three aircraft in theatre. No. 11 Squadron (11SQN) operates two P3 Orions in the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconaissance role in support of Operation Slipper.

Deep Caption: Operation SLIPPER is Australia’s military contribution to international campaigns against terrorism, countering piracy, and maritime security. Under this operation our forces contribute to the efforts of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) – led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. ISAF seeks to bring security, stability and prosperity to Afghanistan and aims at preventing Afghanistan again becoming a safe haven for international terrorists. Operation SLIPPER also supports the United States-led International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) efforts in the broader Middle East.