Workhorse - E49 - Extended Range Surveillance with Michael Phillips

Reports arising in 1996 from Australian-flagged fishing vessels indicated the presence of dozens of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing vessels in the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Exclusive Economic Zone.  

In response, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) sought an enforcement action and requested Defence assistance with search, reconnaissance and apprehension. The first of these ADF missions took place under the name Operation Dirk, and it was enabled by the installation of internal fuel tanks on RAAF C-130Hs. This episode features Michael 'Rocky' Phillips, who was deeply involved in preparing for and then flying these long-range surveillance missions.

Rocky also discusses operations on the first C-130H deployment to Iraq in early 2003.