The Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister for Defence, Teresa Gambaro officially welcomed home Air Force personnel who supported Operation Sumatra Assist in a ceremony at Royal Australian Air Force Base Richmond today.

The Ambassador for the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Mr Imron Cotan and the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston also attended the ceremony, which acknowledged the efforts and support of the Air Force personnel and their families.

Ms Gambaro thanked the Air Force for their contribution to the Australian relief effort as part of Operation Sumatra Assist.

""The men and women of the Air Force provided a rapid and vital part of the Australian relief effort with the first C-130 Hercules deploying from Richmond on the same day that the Indonesian Government accepted the Australian offer of assistance. On behalf of the Government and the people of Australia, thank you" she said.

The nine Defence personnel, who lost their lives in the tragic Sea King accident on the Indonesian Island of Nias, were remembered during the ceremony with a formal minute’s silence.

Ms Gambaro recognised the dedication of the Air Force personnel in continuing their mission despite the tragedy.

"These nine young men and women served their country with great honour and professionalism and made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Your dedication to your mission by continuing to save the lives of people on Nias, following the tragic accident, is indeed a fitting tribute to them," Ms Gambaro said.

The Parliament Secretary also thanked the families and friends of Air Force personnel for their support.

"The importance of the support from family and friends of our service men and women is not often recognised publicly. Today we acknowledge the vital role they have played in Operation Sumatra Assist."

Air Marshal Houston also commended the contribution of Air Force personnel in the operation.

"During Operation Sumatra Assist Phase One and Phase Two, around 460 of our dedicated people deployed to Indonesia with many others supporting them from home. At the height of the operation, Air Lift Group committed 6 C130 Hercules (14 crews), a B707 (3 crews) and a Beech 350 (2 crews). Their efforts, along with our air load teams, maintenance personnel and our air traffic controllers, directly contributed to the movement of nearly 800 tonnes of humanitarian aid, 4000 passengers and approximately 1700 displaced people.

"Air Force medical personnel were also responsible for coordinating the aero-medical evacuation of approximately 100 patients. These achievements have improved the lives of many and we are very proud of the incredible work you have done," the Air Marshal said.

ENDS