By
Andrew Stackpool
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The
view over Fijian islands from an AP-3C as the No. 92 Wing
pilot returns to Australia from the successful and challenging
US Joint Fleet Exercise 04-01.
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A
DETACHMENT from No. 92 Wing has achieved all objectives and gained
valuable experience during the US Joint Fleet Exercise (JTFEX)
04-1. Two 92WG AP-3Cs and 104 personnel supported by a C-130J
deployed to the Naval Air Station North Island for the exercise,
held near San Diego, USA, from April 1-8.
The 92WG element formed part of a multinational Maritime Patrol
Aircraft force, which included the US Navy and Canadian Air Force.
The exercise consisted of anti-submarine (USW) and anti-surface
warfare (ASuW) either in direct support of or opposing the USS
John C Stennis carrier strike group.
Detachment commander Wing Commander Reg Carruthers, CO of No.
10 Squadron, said the deployment’s objectives included gaining
USW and ASuW training in a joint environment, and gaining crew
theatre and role qualifications.
“All crews achieved excellent training in USW, ASuW and joint
operations in a direct support environment,” WGCDR Carruthers
said.
“10SQN maintenance personnel also gained valuable experience in
the operational support of the AP-3C at an overseas base. “Maintenance
staff were divided into three shifts to ensure 24-hour support
to the detachment and they encountered numerous maintenance issues,
which provided them excellent training opportunities.
“We planned 15 exercise phase sorties and completed 10 of them.
Three were cancelled due to aircraft unserviceability, and two
due to the early exercise finish.” WGCDR Carruthers said a major
benefit of the exercise was that crews were exposed constantly
to joint and combined operations and during the exercise their
ability to work in a complex environment increased significantly.
The underwater environment of the JTFEX 04-1 exercise area proved
particularly challenging. All crews reported excellent USW training
opportunities on target submarines. The most challenging aspect
was exposure to multiple units and congested airspace.
WGCDR Carruthers said the confidence gained by the crews in their
ability to operate the AP-3C inshore, at night and in congested
airspace, while conducting USW with other airborne assets, was
significant.
The combination of a complex environment, coupled with different
communications and Air Traffic Control procedures, helped to
reinforce airmanship skills.
However, he believed the 92WG personnel proved that they are capable
of professionally operating in challenging environments and quickly
adapting to new procedures and conditions.
“JTFEX 04-1 proved to be excellent value, with all crews being
exposed to simulated conventional and nuclear USW, and AsuW in
an extremely demanding environment. “It remains one of the best
exercise opportunities available to 92WG, particularly as this
training complements operational experience gleaned from the MEAO,”
WGCDR Carruthers said.
