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An
F/A-18 pilot signs an Australian flag he carried in operations
over Iraq. Photo by WO2 Al Green.
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By
Deanna Nott
ONE of Australia’s recently upgraded AP-3C Orion aircraft
has deployed to the Middle East to be the “eyes and ears”
of the fleet involved in Operation Falconer.
The aircraft replaced a P-3C Orion aircraft that returned to RAAF
Base Edinburgh on April 16 after successfully completing a three-month
deployment.
Although the AP-3C Orion has been involved in Operation Relex,
this is the first time it has deployed on a long-term operation
overseas. Another AP-3C Orion will fly to the Middle East in the
near future.
Commander Maritime Patrol Group Air Commodore Graham Bentley said
the deployment provided an excellent opportunity to further test
the sensors and equipment installed on board the AP-3C Orion as
part of Project Air 5276.
“Furthermore, the aircraft and personnel will be working
in an extremely harsh climate and a very demanding area with an
intense density of contacts ranging from ships to islands and
oil rigs,” AIRCDRE Bentley said.
“The new systems on the aircraft should help ease the crew’s
workload and enable them to provide more timely and accurate information
to the surface forces they are working for.”
He said the personnel involved in the first rotation had performed
magnificently and prepared the ground well for their successors.
“I want to thank in advance all those involved in the second
rotation, including the aircrew, maintenance personnel and the
combat support personnel,” he said.
“These people work as a team to ensure the aircraft get on
task.
“I know they will be required to put in so much hard work
over the next three months and I sincerely thank them for their
efforts.”
