15 July 2025
2 Squadron Training Flight at RAAF Base Williamtown has received an Air Force Group Commendation for superior devotion to duty in the provision of sovereign and trilateral aircrew training for the E-7A Wedgetail.
The Group Commendation was presented by Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, on July 3.
Between January 2023 and the present, 2 Squadron Training Flight has graduated an unprecedented 164 E-7A Wedgetail qualified aircrew across the coalition of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
This sustained effort has significantly enhanced the collective capability of all three nations and made a vital contribution to the achievement of international engagement outcomes with two important allies.
Commanding Officer of 2 Squadron, Wing Commander Samuel Thorpe, described the significance of the work leading to the Group Commendation.
“2 Squadron surged to meet Air Force and coalition aircrew and maintenance training requirements, increasing the throughput of E-7A Wedgetail qualified aircrew by conducting an additional 56 initial qualifications, equating to a 33 per cent increase in rate of effort and corresponding graduations,” Wing Commander Thorpe said.
“2 Squadron Training Flight directly enhanced the E-7A Wedgetail capability by increasing the throughput of aircrew training in order to grow sovereign aircrew numbers and meet the high demand of coalition training.
“This increase in throughput was achieved while maintaining a high squadron operational tempo around the globe.”
Without a dedicated squadron to provide operational conversion training, the small team at 2 Squadron Training Flight is responsible for the delivery of all E-7A initial conversion, upgrade and requalification training across pilots, airborne battle managers and electronic support measure operators.
'2 Squadron deliver superior Airborne Air Battle Management effects around the globe.'
As the only E-7A training system in the world, 2 Squadron Training Flight’s achievements across the coalition are impressive.
“We have already delivered two fully integrated and trained E-7A crews to the Royal Air Force (RAF) and are in the final stages of our commitment to initial operational conversion and upgrade courses for the United States Air Force (USAF),” Wing Commander Thorpe said.
“Without the training provided by 2 Squadron Training Flight and our maintenance workforce, the RAF and USAF would not be in the advantageous position they are to immediately commence E-7A operations on delivery of their platforms.”
2 Squadron Training Flight staff have been commended for epitomising the Defence Values of Service and Excellence to deliver these key outcomes for Australia and coalition partners. The superior contributions from each of the staff were essential for the overall group achievement.
“2 Squadron deliver superior Airborne Air Battle Management effects around the globe,” Wing Commander Thorpe said.
“This is evident through the persistent demand from our closest allies for 2 Squadron participation in global operations and complex exercises.
“This is a true testament to the quality of our training system at 2 Squadron and the tireless efforts of our aviators who deliver and support it.”
