Albatros Ausindo resumes with Indonesian military

By PTE John Wellfare

WOFF Chris Ogden talks with Indonesian crew onboard an AP-3C during Exercise Albatros Ausindo. Photo by FSGT Dan Baynie

INDONESIAN and Australian maritime surveillance crews have worked together on the first exercise between the two countries since 1999 – Exercise Albatros Ausindo – which operated from Bali from April 16-20.

The 16 Australian personnel who deployed on the exercise worked from an AP-3C, captained by No. 292 Squadron CO Wing Commander Terry Mackinnon, and they teamed up with Indonesian counterparts operating a B-737.

WGCDR Mackinnon said the two patrols, conducted on April 18 and 20, had helped crews from both nations to develop a closer working relationship.

“We agreed that both crews would conduct basic surveillance sorties of the same area. We arranged for [the Indonesians] to fly at a higher level while we flew at a lower level to ensure a safe working distance,” he said.

“Our task was to investigate any of their nominated radar contacts more closely to gather the details of that contact. We then provided them with the specifics of their original radar contacts. The communications were nothing short of excellent – their English is far better than my Bahasa [Indonesian], to put it simply.”

Interoperability was the key focus of the exercise and crews were able to develop a familiarity with each other’s techniques and capabilities, WGCDR Mackinnon said.

Between joint surveillance flights, the exercise participants also took part in familiarisation training on each country’s aircraft and systems, a formal parade and social activities.

WGCDR Mackinnon said the ADF’s recent assistance with disaster relief efforts in Indonesia had helped to strengthen the friendship between the Australians and Indonesians.

“The way they treated us and the reception they gave us, it was humbling,” he said.

“I think the relationship between the two militaries is particularly strong and particularly healthy. It will be ideal, in the long run, to develop a close working relationship.”

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