End ex for Lancers at Amberley
Royal Australian Air Force aircraft from Williamtown and Amberley have completed a training exercise with United States Air Force B-1B Lancers from the United States’ Pacific Air Force over the eastern coast of Australia.
CAPTION: A United States Air Force B-1B Lancer lands at RAAF Base Amberley during Exercise Lightning Focus. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Jesse Kane.
Exercise Lightning Focus included up to 30 jets flying at any given time.
Commander Air Combat Group Air Commodore Mike Kitcher said the integrated training between RAAF and United States Pacific Air Force was an important, on-going military activity.
“The B-1B Lancers’ participation in this exercise is part of the Enhanced Air Cooperation program, which aims to increase the interoperability between Australia and the United States,” Air Commodore Kitcher said.
“Conducting these flying activities is critical to our ongoing regional partnerships, and provides specific currency and qualification training for our aircrew.
“The Pacific Air Forces Bomber Training Program continues a long-standing and mutually beneficial program of combined training initiatives and exercises involving Australia and the United States.”
Exercise Lightning Focus commenced on 20 November and wrapped up on 2 December 2017.
Australian F/A-18F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler aircraft from RAAF Base Amberley, and F/A-18A Hornet from RAAF Base Williamtown participated in the exercise.
A KC-30A MRTT from RAAF Base Amberley provided refuelling operations for all RAAF aircraft flying during the activity, and two E-7A Wedgetails from RAAF Base Williamtown provided command and control of the exercise.
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