The Australian Army’s North-West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) rapidly pivoted while out field on planned operations to support an emergency search-and-rescue effort after an ejection near Daly River, NT, during Exercise Pitch Black 24.
NORFORCE personnel were on a patrol near Wadeye when they became aware of an emergency situation involving an Italian Air Force pilot ejecting from his Eurofighter Typhoon on July 24.
Through NORFORCE headquarters’ ongoing relationship with 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit, they understood they were close to the site and made best speed to be among the first responders.
Commanding Officer NORFORCE Lieutenant Colonel Matt Cooper said the team arrived at the site just before last light and enabled RAAF Security Forces, Italian Air Force and Northern Territory Police to make an immediate search.
“I am obviously very proud of the patrol and regiment’s conduct, in particular their operational readiness that enabled them to respond so quickly whilst executing a separate mission under Program Vigilant,” Lieutenant Colonel Cooper said.
“We work closely with the RAAF, local authorities and remote communities on a routine basis, and I view support to RAAF remote-area SAR (search and rescue) as a standing NORFORCE operational task, just as it was for the Nackeroos during the Second World War.
“We were all relieved to hear the pilot was OK and the cooperation between all parties, especially the support from the local community, showcases how well we all operate as a team.”
Officer Commanding Exercise Pitch Black 24 Air Commodore Pete Robinson said he was impressed with the immediate support provided from Army on the back of initiative and good teamwork.
“From when we got the call that something was unfolding, to getting the pilot located and off to hospital, was 90 minutes,” Air Commodore Robinson said.
“In that cycle of response I was made aware NORFORCE had appropriately made contact with the SAR team, offered assistance and made decisions to be best placed to support the downed Italian aviator.
“It’s a credit to the professionalism of these Army members that they saw what was happening and rendered assistance to a mate in need.
“This exercise is all about making friendships [and] building professional relationships, working together more effectively – this is an example of us doing that outside of the exercise construct in a highly successful manner.”
