First F-35A pilot transition course at Williamtown

No 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) recently concluded their first F-35A Lightning II Transition Course in the purpose-built Joint Strike Fighter precinct at RAAF Base Williamtown.

CAPTION: F-35A Lightning II, A35-013 tail art. Photo by Sergeant Brett Sherriff.

The completion of 2OCU’s first F-35A Transition Course at their home base is an important milestone for Air Combat Group as they continue to develop the training continuum for the 5th generation platform.

Commanding Office 2OCU Wing Commander Jordon Sander said the successful completion of the first course brought a bit of relief to the team after a demanding start to the year.

Ten Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A/B ‘Classic’ Hornets from 2OCU conducted the final flight for the type under the unit’s banner in December last year.

The RAAF F/A-18A/B ‘Classic’ Hornet will be fully withdrawn from service in December next year with the fleet currently being replaced by the F-35A Lightning II.

Some ‘Classic’ Hornets have already been sold to the Royal Canadian Air Force, with the balance of the fleet snapped up by a US-based military contractor.

Because of the fleet sales above, there is lingering doubt and concern about the availability of Hornet airframes for historical and heritage preservation.

 

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