Description
Description: AUSTAIR – RAAF UN Emergency Force metal pocket fob 1976 to 1997
Maker’s Name: Unknown
Condition: Near Mint
Comments: AUSTAIR – RAAF United Nations Emergency Force metal pocket fob 1976 to 1997. Approx size 55mm W x 105mm H.
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 buffer 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. The first helicopter was flown from No 5 Squadron at RAAF Base Fairbairn by C-130 on 8 July, with the rest following in further C-130 flights that month, and the first mission in support of UNEF was flown on 1 August.
The unit remained in Sinai for three years before being withdrawn in mid 1979.
