Pearce welcomes US aviators

RAAF Base Pearce received some unexpected guests on July 10 when 11 United States Navy (USN) aircraft from the USS Carl Vinson diverted to the base due to bad weather.

The nine F/A-18 Hornets and two Viking aircraft were unable to return to the US carrier after flight conditions deteriorated during their training session.

Personnel at Pearce had only 10 minutes notice to prepare for the arrival of the first four jets, with the remainder arriving later that afternoon.

No. 44 Wing Air Traffic Control advised of the USN diversion and coordinated stand-by emergency services from Transfield Fire and Rescue and Health Services Flight.

There was an immediate response from across the base, including maintenance personnel from the Combat Support Unit, who manned an arrester cable on the runway to provide quick release for the jets if they needed it. No. 79 Squadron organised marshallers and aircraft chocks at the parking area within five minutes, and once the first jets landed, refuelled and earthed the USN aircraft. Within half an hour of arrival, accommodation and meals for the 14 aircrew was organised.

 

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