Two RAAF E-7A Wedgetail aircraft from No 2 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown, recently deployed to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, United States, for the first Exercise Red Flag of the year. The large force employment exercise, designed to replicate a high-end combat and surveillance environment, began on February 22 and ended on March 15. Aircrew performed counter air, precision strike and offensive air support.
This is the first time the squadron and the E-7A Wedgetail aircraft have participated in a Red Flag exercise.
The No 2 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Paul Carpenter, said "The E-7A Wedgetail is a major new capability for the Australian Defence Force, which will significantly multiply the effectiveness of our existing Navy, Army, and Air Force assets well into the future."
During the three week-long exercise No 2 Squadron flew their aircraft twice daily in the skies above the Nevada Test and Training Range to get a real-time picture of the battle-space and to integrate command and control battle management.
"The Red Flag exercise forms part of the regular cycle of Australia's air combat and surveillance training for Surveillance and Response Group personnel," Wing Commander Carpenter added. "This opportunity allows for Surveillance and Response Group members to hone their particular skill sets in close proximity to our major allies at one of the world's best air combat training facilities."
Red Flag provided complex aviation combat training at a level not available in Australia.
"It is essential our people are trained at this level to ensure they are able to effectively operate and integrate the Wedgetail's highly technical equipment in a complex air warfare environment with coalition partners," Wing Commander Carpenter said. "We gave 100 percent daily, but the exercise gave us 150 percent in return."