By
FLGOFF Jen Harrison
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CPL
Jeff Thompson marshals in an F-111 at Nellis US Air Force
Base in Nevada after it returns from a sortie as part of
Exercise Red Flag.
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Photo
by LAC Mark McConnell
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IN
an awesome display of power, Australian Red Flag 06 participants
have put their skills to the test in the skies of Nevada.
Pilots and navigators of the seven F/A-18s and six F-111 aircraft
are being pushed to the limits as the United States Air Force
red ‘enemy’ squadrons attack the blue ‘friendly’
forces with intensity.
Australian Air Force personnel participate in Exercise Red Flag
approximately every two years, but Officer Commanding No. 82WG,
GPCAPT Gavin Davies said this year, one of the unique aspects
was for the pilots to practice Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
procedures.
“What we are doing with CSAR is simulating a pilot being
shot down in enemy territory,” he said.
“The difference between past years and this year, is that
this year we have aircraft dedicated to searching for and extracting
crews, in the event of a downed pilot.”
“The Air Force does not have a team of personnel dedicated
to train for CSAR so the ability to rehearse this is very important.
We are able to practice the processes as well as practice using
the survival equipment.”
GPCAPT Davies also said that this type of training highlights
the importance of ground personnel in situations such as these.
“Not only do we have the specialist CSAR units involved,
but support such as medical and administration is also tested
and trained to work with our international allies.”
Exercise Red Flag is one of the few exercises that Air Combat
Group jets fly together, rather than against each other in the
simulated war.
The deployment of both the F-111s and the F/A-18s under a single
command and control and logistics support structure, means the
need for a different approach to processes and the adaptability
of those involved.
GPCAPT Davies said both the fighter and strike aircraft have been
hitting targets and attacking the red ‘enemy’ air defences.
“Several of the more experienced pilots and navigators have
been Mission Commanders, responsible for planning and briefing
the tactics and airborne coordination for their 80 aircraft wave,”
he said.
“The overall emphasis has been on learning, but the Australian
Mission Commanders have performed brilliantly and enhanced Australia’s
worldwide reputation for professionalism.”
Meanwhile the ground maintenance crews have also been busy, with
personnel including avionics technicians, aircraft life support
fitters, explosive ordinance technicians, aircraft technicians,
aircraft structural fitters and suppliers, all working as a team
to keep the jets flying.
SQNLDR Peter O’Donnell, Staff Officer for Engineering, is
in charge of the maintenance and logistic elements of the Wing
Operations Centre for Exercise Red Flag 06.
“We are working on a different flightline and with different
procedures which takes a lot of communication as well as good
coordination,” SQNLDR O’Donnell said.
“It is a testament to the crews that at the half-way mark
97% of the sortie rate had been achieved.”
