MRTT mates with BOne

A KC-30A MRTT air-to-air refueller from RAAF Base Amberley was kept busy recently, refuelling a range of aircraft during Exercise Lightning Focus.

CAPTION: A RAAF KC-30A Multi-role Tanker Transport from RAAF Base Amberley provided refuelling operations for a USAF B-1B Lancer while RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets and E/A-18G Growlers await their turn during Exercise Lightning Focus.

Not only did the KC-30A top up several F/A-18F Super Hornets and E/A-18G Growlers from RAAF Base Amberley – which it is well used to – it was also tasked with refuelling two super-thirsty B-1B Lancer strategic bombers from the US Air Force.

Exercise Lightning Focus ran from 20 November through to 2 December 2017 and included up to 30 jets flying at any given time – with several refuelling sorties required over the period.

Two E-7A Wedgetails from RAAF Base Williamtown also provided command and control of the exercise.

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.”

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