Air forces ignite sunset at Mindil Beach
As the sun sat low in the sky, tens of thousands of people took their place on Mindil Beach in Darwin to be dazzled by a flying display from 21 nations representing the 2500 personnel taking part in Exercise Pitch Black, from July 20 to August 6.
CAPTION: A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet conducts an aerial display over Mindil Beach, Darwin as part of exercise Pitch Black 2026. Story by Flight Lieutenant Jody Blakeley. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Nell Bradbury.
United States Marine Corps V-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft opened the display by hovering low over the water close to the beach, followed by a stream of military aircraft for the next 90 minutes, boasting fast jets, transport aircraft and tankers that showcased the flying abilities of allies, partners and friends.
An early crowd favourite was the steep climb of a KC-30 multi role tanker transport from the German Luftwaffe with Eurofighters trailing each wingtip, giving an example of their role and manoeuvrability before an Australian favourite stole the show.
Super Hornet display pilot Flight Lieutenant Michael Bowden and weapons systems officer Flight Lieutenant Mitchell Langlands flew the Super Hornet handling display finale, zooming vertically into the sky, while letting loose dozens of flares as the sun set over Mindil Beach.
“This was my first public display as part of the Super Hornet display team and it will stick with me for the rest of my life,” Flight Lieutenant Bowden said.
“Seeing so many people on the beach with the sun setting as we flew in for the start of the display was amazing.
“We could see everyone waving and then, when we watched the display back on the Royal Australian Air Force live stream afterwards, hearing the cheers as we dropped flares, as we finished with the vertical departure, made it all worthwhile.”
The display was streamed live to the world on the RAAF YouTube page, with people throughout Europe, Asia, the United States and the Pacific commenting in real time on what they were seeing.
Commanding Officer of 464 Squadron Wing Commander Peter Croce was thrilled with the response to the live stream.
“This is a developing capability for the Royal Australian Air Force and the second time we have had a crack at something different,” Wing Commander Croce said.
“Our public affairs team has worked closely with the air shows team to help bring this flying display live, as it happens, not only to the people of the Northern Territory, but to Australia and the world.
“It also means that our international partners and friends – who for some have travelled from the other side of the world to join us in Darwin – can include their families, friends and fellow countrymen and women into what was a spectacular display of mateship.
“A better highlight – this idea started with people having a red-hot go at something and being advanced in complexity by really smart kids pushing out of their comfort zones. It’s awesome to see.”
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