Over the period 18-26 August 2021, ADF personnel took part in the largest humanitarian airlift operation in recent history. As the Taliban swept across Afghanistan, the Australian Defence Force, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Home Affairs, deployed to evacuate Australian nationals and approved foreign nationals from Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul. In total 4,100 people were evacuated on more than 30 RAAF flights.

Personnel from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment were given the short-notice task to deploy to assist in the non-combatant evacuation operation. Lieutenant Sam Burston commanded a Platoon from Bravo Company for the operation and his experiences are detailed in the video.