Up to seven Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18A/B Hornets from No. 75 Squadron (75SQN) will arrive at RAAF Base Pearce to support Exercise Phoenix Black and Exercise Nigrum Pugio.
These exercises are real-time mission scenarios designed to increase the skill level and effectiveness of RAAF’s combat-ready Joint Terminal Attack Controller qualified personnel, in support of Defence operational requirements.
Commanding Officer 75SQN, Wing Commander Pete Robinson said the exercise will 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 75SQN personnel to gain an understanding of fast jet Squadron operations.
75SQN aircraft will operate from RAAF Base Pearce for two weeks from 23 February 2020, with flying operations being conducted between 10:00am to 10:00pm. Every effort will be made to minimise noise disturbance to the local community during operations.
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 Saturday 7 March 2020.
“These exercises represent important training for Defence personnel and we are grateful for the community’s ongoing support,” Wing Commander Robinson said.
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