Far North Queensland got an early taste of Christmas magic when Defence teamed up with Olympic legends to deliver donated gifts and goodwill to remote Indigenous communities.
From airdrops to remote runways, the Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Army worked alongside the Australian Olympic Committee on Exercise Christmas Hop 25, proving that even Santa loves a C-27J Spartan and C-130J Hercules ride.
Personnel from 35 Squadron and 37 Squadron deployed with members of the Australian Army's 51st Far North Queensland Regiment (51 FNQR) and 176 Air Dispatch Squadron. Their mission from December 1 to 9: to spread festive cheer while sharpening operational skills.
On the ground, aviators, soldiers and Olympic legends, including Nova Peris and Mack Horton, joined rising stars Haylie Powell and Nat Diehm as Santa's helpers, handing out gifts and engaging with locals. Communities also toured the aircraft, turning airfields into festive hubs.
"Air Force worked closely with 51 FNQR and Indigenous liaison officers on the selection of locations to visit based on requirements and accessibility," Senior Indigenous Liaison Officer Squadron Leader Coen Henry said.
'The exercise was a great opportunity for Defence to connect with communities in Far North Queensland and for members of 51 FNQR to give back to the communities they serve.'
"The C-27J Spartan and C-130J Hercules airdropped cargo and visited communities in Far North Queensland."
Locations included Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Weipa, Gove, Cloncurry, Badu Island, Masig Island, Pormpuraaw and Burketown.
"The exercise was a great opportunity for Defence to connect with communities in Far North Queensland and for members of 51 FNQR to give back to the communities they serve," he said.
"Air Force and the Australian Olympic Committee have been collaborating for Exercise Christmas Hop since 2021, demonstrating a shared commitment to engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities."
Detachment Commander Flight Lieutenant Angus Johnston said the exercise also delivered critical training outcomes.
"Exercise Christmas Hop provided vital training for the Australian Defence Force by giving aircrew and Army personnel on the ground an opportunity to train together [and] strengthen our skills, while at the same time delivering some festive cheer," he said.
"We flew into remote airfields and conducted airdrop training in remote civilian locations, demonstrating our ability to deploy, operate and sustain air power across a wide area.
"Both the C-27J Spartan and the C-130J Hercules successfully demonstrated their unique ability to airdrop cargo and land on austere runways in remote locations."
The last time Exercise Christmas Hop was conducted in Far North Queensland was in 2020. Locations vary each year, ensuring Defence reaches communities across Australia.
