Feature—Air Force Network-centric Operations on Show
Air Force personnel monitoring air operations in the Regional Operations Centre
Tactical Air Defence Radar Systems deployed during operations
Our athletes are not the only Australians who should feel proud of their performance at this year's Commonwealth Games—the Air Force's own dedicated men and women were there too, though their achievements have not been as publicly recognised as the efforts of the sporting team.
No. 41 Wing, whose Headquarters is at RAAF Williamtown, was working as part of Operation Acolyte, the ADF's support to the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne held in March 2006.
While just one small part of the wider ADF team supporting Acolyte, the role of 41 Wing was integral in ensuring the success of the Operation. They are the people who work tirelessly to bring to life this concept known as 'network-centric'—a capability vital to modern warfighting operations.
Although a term that may sound complex, network-centric warfare is in fact a simple concept that involves the linkage of engagement systems to sensors through networks, and sharing of information between the different force elements involved in an exercise or operation. Fundamental to the success of any network-centric operation are the people involved, as the concept is based on the idea that information is only useful if it allows people to act more effectively, as was certainly the case for those involved in Operation Acolyte.
Operation Acolyte was the third homeland defence operation that No. 41 Wing has conducted in as many years. In order for No. 41 Wing to do its job effectively, a brand new Tactical Air Defence Radar System and communications suite had to be set up near the township of Gisborne, near Melbourne, to collect surveillance information.
This information, together with data collected from other civil and military sensors, created a 'Recognised Air Picture'. This air picture gave the Joint Task Force Commander and on-call F/A-18 air defence aircraft a single, coordinated overview of all air traffic in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games air precinct.
The hub of air operations for the Games, the No. 41 Wing Air Battle Management Coordination Centre, was responsible for authorising aircraft access to the restricted airspace surrounding Melbourne using the same 'Recognised Air Picture'.
Air Force personnel monitoring air movements on new radar screens
No. 41 Wing Operation Centre at RAAF Williamtown
The Centre successfully synchronised around 600 flights through the restricted airspace during the opening and closing ceremonies, proving its worth as a critical component of the Air Force and wider ADF operation. A series of internal rehearsals were held prior to both ceremonies to ensure that everyone was fully prepared for the big day.
Headquarters No. 41 Wing and its units have most recently supported the placing of Australian troops in Timor-Leste for Operation Astute, and in the past have also supported important deployments such as Operation Azure in Africa, the Middle East Area of Operations, and space-based operations around the globe.
While their presence is not always visible, the efforts of the men and women of No. 41 Wing in exercises and operations over the last 18 months have demonstrated their skill, flexibility and innovation. Their stellar achievements ensure that the battle management space, used by our ADF, is run as safely and efficiently as possible.