By Andrew Stackpool
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No.
6 Squadron F-111s on the flightline at RAAF Base Darwin. |
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BOMBING exercise in the Top End has resulted in six new F-111
aircrews attaining operational status following their graduation
from No. 6 Squadron’s F-111 latest conversion course.
6SQN CO Wing Commander Kevin McGrath said the participants in
No. 56 course achieved a 100 per cent pass rate.
Seven F-111s and 120 personnel deployed to RAAF Base Darwin on
Exercise Northern Challenge for three weeks from the end of October
until November 18.
The exercise was the final, operational phase of the five-month
conversion course.
“It is a culmination, which enables them to put into practise
all they have learned, including all the aspects entailed by a
deployment,” WGCDR McGrath said.
“We take them out of their comfort zones and put them in
an operational environment within a threat scenario.
“They have to do it all themselves, including the threat
brief, planning to achieve their Time On Target, ingress and deal
with airborne and ground threats, defeat them, deliver their loads
on time and then egress the area safely – it’s pretty
full on. They commence flying day sorties and then move on to
night sorties.
“The final handling test is conducted at night with high-explosive
weapons. When they’re not flying they are planning and preparing.
For a two-hour mission that takes another six to eight hours.”
The Squadron deployed three F-111Gs for the exercise to act as
the airborne threat. “Normally we’d use the F/A-18s
but 75 Squadron was unavailable. However, the F-111Gs were also
operating in support of other activities, so it worked well.
The ground threat was simulated but also proved very realistic,”
WGCDR McGrath said.
6SQN is responsible for the conversion training of pilots and
navigators on to the F-111, followed by advanced training before
they are posted to No. 1 Squadron for operational duties.
“As well as testing the students we are also testing the
capability of the Squadron to support deployed elements in a remote
location,” WGCDR McGrath said
“Overall the exercise was very successful and the support
we received from RAAF Base Darwin was outstanding,
particularly 321 Combat Support Squadron and the Air Traffic Controllers.
321CSS looked after us very well and the quality of food and accommodation
was outstanding.
These are important morale factors for people operating under
these conditions. We also received great support from 322CSS at
RAAF Base Tindal with their management of the facilities at Delamere
Weapons Range.”
Exercise Northern Challenge was conducted while No. 1 Squadron
was deployed to the US for Exercise Red Flag.
“With 1 Squadron overseas and 6 Squadron in the Top End
I think we have shown just what a flexible outfit 82 Wing is,”
WGCDR McGrath said.
The six students now proceed to four months operational upgrade
training before posting to 1SQN as Cat C aircrew.
