By Flying Officer Georgina Lowe
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LAC
Anderson and CPL Fairweather monitor the communications
system used at RAAF Base Richmond during ECADEX.
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Photo
by LAC Steve Hobbs
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No.
41 Wing demonstrated its professionalism and proficient capability
in executing an Air Battle Management Wing Operations Centre (ABM
WOC) during the recent East Coast Air Defence Exercise (ECADEX).
From October 26 to November 8, Headquarters 41 Wing, based at
RAAF Base Williamtown, took the command and control lead for “blue”
forces, creating an ABM WOC as part of ECADEX.
Officer Commanding No. 41 Wing Group Captain Chris Westwood said
it was an ideal training exercise to practice the Wing’s
core function.
“ECADEX provided many learning opportunities from which No.
41 Wing can continue to develop and grow,” he said.
The team produced the daily Air Tasking Orders (ATOs) for “friendly/blue”
forces, dictating the flying missions for the exercise, while
members from Headquarters 41Wing were also deployed to RAAF Base
Amberley to form the “red [enemy]” mini-ABM WOC.
This was the first time Headquarters 41 Wing had deployed an ABM
WOC, deploying No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit and No. 114 Mobile
Control and Reporting Unit.
The elements included electronic observation posts, a communications
cabin, a control and reporting post, including the new deployable
Tactical Air Defence Radar System, and a mobile control and reporting
centre.
These key assets provided capabilities such as electronic support
measures and a deployed radar system for early warning.
