Refuelled
A light load after busy start

CPL Ricky Robinson refuels a No. 3 Squadron F/A-18 after a flight during Exercise Ocean Protector.

Photo by LAC Euan Grant

IT’S been a busy start to the year after a short break to refuel for energy. Four exercises have been underway and Operation Sumatra Assist started, but Air Force personnel can expect a lighter than normal exercise tempo for the re-mainder of this year.

Group Captain Jim Brown, Director Plans, is managing the Headquarter Air Command’s review of the Air Force’s 2005 exercise program.

“We are reviewing the exercise program in light of Operation Sumatra Assist,” GPCAPT Brown said.

“Initial indications are that there will not be a significant impact on the Air Force’s exercise program for 2005. No exercises have been cancelled as a result of Op Sumatra Assist and there are definitely no additions planned to the program. We are fortunate in that planned activity for the year was lighter than normal.”

Ocean Protector has just been held (see page 2) and as we went to print Exercises Tasmanex, Fincastle and Arnhem Thunder were beginning. The major exercises for the year will be Talisman Sabre, Kakadu and the Air Combat Group’s exercises. Group Captain Richard Owen, Director Operations at the headquarters, said the review would ensure a balance was maintained between operations and exercises.

Planning for Op Sumatra Assist had been done with the Service’s other commitments in mind.

“Since the demand for emergency response [for Op Sumatra Assist] is basically complete, there has been a shift to the provision of longer-term reconstruction activities... [and] a shift to more civilian aid support agencies,” he said.

The Air Force has scaled back its commitment accordingly to two C-130s and a commensurate reduction in personnel.

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