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Show of force

At a glance

In six weeks of air combat operations, F/A-18 pilots clocked more than 2000 flying hours and completed about 350 missions . More than 100 precision-guided weapons were dropped. Missions included attacking fixed targets such as military installations; and close air support to ground forces, including attacking artillery pieces, armoured personnel carriers and tanks. Targets were located throughout Iraq, including the vicinity of Al-Kut, Baghdad, Al-Amarah, Tikrit, Abinaria Dam, Al-Isad airfield, al-Rasheed airfield.

By FLTLT Chris Bradley

Operating epic distances from home and in the face of searing heat, torrid dust storms and severe thunderstorms, the people who flew, maintained and supported the F/A-18 Hornets met these challenges with typical Australian determination and secured themselves a reputation among the Coalition as a reliable force.

Many watched with interest to see how the F/A-18 team would perform with 50 years since the last Australian fighter aircraft went into combat and nearly 35 years since the last Australian aircraft fired a shot in anger.

There was no doubt that the Australian fast jet squadrons were excellent training partners. The question was whether they would shape up in the company of the Coalition air forces who had been patrolling the no-fly zones in Iraq constantly since the end of the first Gulf War. The answer was a resounding “Yes”.

The relatively small contingent deservedly earned a reputation for “punching well above their weight”. Within five weeks they deployed to the Middle East, established facilities and plugged seamlessly into Coalition operations before they were committed to combat operations over Iraq.

During six weeks of air combat operations, the Australian fighter force worked around the clock and recorded more than 2000 flying hours, delivered more than 100 bombs and successfully completed about 350 missions that lasted up to nine hours at a time.

“All of this has been achieved with the minimum number of personnel on the ground and the success we’ve had is a credit to each and every one of them,” said Group Captain Billy Henman, Officer Commanding the Australian Air Combat Wing.

He said the contingent was “made up of people from all over the Air Force and Australia, many of whom met for the first time on this operation”.

“They adapted rapidly, understood what was needed and worked tirelessly together to bring this operation together. They have served the Air Force and their country in a way which we should all be proud,” GPCAPT Henman said.

The versatility of Australian crews and the value of the F/A-18 as a multi-role fighter were also realised rapidly during the conflict.

In the early stages they provided protection for air-to-air refuelling and airborne early warning aircraft. Within days they were called in to action to hunt out targets from the regime and provide close air support for Coalition forces on the ground.

The work of the Hornets did not come without the toil and labour of a chain of people stretching from in the Middle East to Australia.

From the planning staff, to the pilots who spent long hours of intense concentration over hostile territory in the cramped confines of their cockpits, to those who sweated it out on base to ensure that the jets and people were ready each time, all the way back down the logistics pipeline to Australia – all made a difference with their work.

As the jets taxied for their final combat mission, the job was finished as it had started with the Commanding Officer of the fighter squadron, Wing Commander Mel (last name withheld for security reasons), leading four Hornets out with many onlookers there to witness the moment and wish the crew well.

Their safe return to base a few hours later brought a palpable feeling of relief.