Description

Description: AUSTAIR – RAAF UN Emergency Force metal pocket fob 1976 to 1997

Maker’s Name: N/A

Condition: Very Good

Comments: AUSTAIR – RAAF United Nations Emergency Force metal pocket fob 1976 to 1997.

On 10 June 1976 a 16-man forward party left Canberra to prepare for the arrival at Ismailia, Egypt, of the air unit committed by Australia to the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Sinai.
Australia committed an air unit committed to the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Sinai on 10 June 1976. The unit, referred to as AUSTAIR, was required to help monitor the 300-kilometre-long bu er zone separating Egyptian and Israeli forces after the 1973 war fought along the Suez Canal. At full strength, AUSTAIR comprised four Iroquois helicopters operated by 13 officers and 32 airmen––all drawn from the RAAF except four aircrew and maintenance personnel from the RAN.  e  rst helicopter was  own from No 5 Squadron at RAAF Base Fairbairn by C-130 on 8 July, with the rest following in further C-130  ights that month, and the  first mission in support of UNEF was  own on 1 August.  
The unit remained in Sinai for three years before being withdrawn in mid 1979.