Hornets head west for dual exercises

Up to seven Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A/B Hornets, from No. 75 Squadron, will arrive at RAAF Base Pearce today to support Exercise Phoenix Black and Exercise Nigrum Pugio.

FILE PHOTO (December 2011): An F/A-18A Hornet over the Western Australian coast. Photo by Corporal Craig Barrett.

These exercises are real-time mission scenarios designed to increase the skill level and effectiveness of the ADF’s combat-ready Joint Terminal Attack Controller qualified personnel, in support of Defence operational requirements.

Commanding Officer of 75 Squadron Wing Commander Pete Robinson said the exercises would deliver vital training opportunities.

“Exercise scenarios provide a significant training opportunity for fast-jet aircrew to hone and maintain their skills, resulting in highly skilled personnel who are operationally ready,” Wing Commander Robinson said.

“Practice bombing and gunnery will occur in the first week and explosive ordnance will be expended in the second week, all within a controlled environment.”

Junior aircrew in training at Number 2 Flying Training School and Number 79 Squadron, located at RAAF Base Pearce, will also have the opportunity to engage with 75 Squadron personnel to gain an understanding of fast-jet squadron operations.

75 Squadron aircraft will operate from RAAF Base Pearce for two weeks from February 23, with flying operations being conducted between 10am-10pm.

In support of refuelling requirements, the Hornets may make a scheduled stop at Broome International Airport on their journey to RAAF Base Pearce and return to RAAF Base Tindal on March 7.

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