13 May 2003
The long way home

The Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornet squadron and crew members have started the long journey home from the Middle East.
The detachment was deployed to the Middle East for approximately three months as part of Operation Falconer.
During the operation, they successfully provided close air support for coalition ground troops as well as strike and air defence for high value assets.
Support personnel serving with the F/A-18 Hornets in the Middle East have been cleaning and packing the mountains of equipment required to maintain approximately 250 people and fourteen Hornets in the desert over the duration of Operation Falconer.

	JPAU12MAY03WG05 As dawn breaks over the Middle East, Flying Officer Anthony prepares his F/A-18 Hornet for the long journey home. (date taken: 12 May 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	JPAU11MAY03WG06 Corporal Thomas Horswood ties down a pallet to be returned to Australia along with the F/A-18 Hornets. (date taken: 11 May 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	JPAU12MAY03WG08 As dawn breaks over the Middle East, Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornets and crews begin the long journey home. (date taken: 12 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res
	JPAU12MAY03WG16 As dawn breaks over the Middle East, Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornets and crews begin the long journey home. (date taken: 12 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res
	JPAU12MAY03WG07 As dawn breaks over the Middle East, Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornets and crews prepare for the long journey home. (date taken: 12 May 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res