An Air Force C27J Spartan aircraft has helped medical specialist Dr Carolyn Chapman and her pooch Silo return home after being stranded in the regional town of Derby due to the West Australian flood emergency.
Dr Chapman was seconded to Derby Hospital to help out in the maternity and paediatrics wards but was unable to return to Broome when flooding caused road closures.
The medical specialist was ready to go home after a busy period at the hospital but was unwilling to go without her companion, a border collie/golden retriever cross.
"It was such a relief when I was offered transport back to Broome and found out I could bring Silo with me," Dr Chapman said.
"Now I can get back to my regular job at Broome Hospital comfortable that he's back home as well."
The C27J Spartan had been doing reconnaissance surveys of the flooded areas in the Kimberley and had personnel to drop off at Derby. Two C27Js are providing services to emergency workers at the request of the National Emergency Management Agency.
For 35 Squadron loadmaster Warrant Officer Shaunn Segon, this wasn't the first time he has transported dogs on an aircraft.
"We often carry military working dogs, but we've also had pets on board during other emergency situations," Warrant Officer Segon said.
"However, my favourite payload is still the time we carried 24 koalas on board during Operation Bushfire Assist."
