The Royal Australian Air Force had a "little" event on this morning (23/6/11) which included the return of some F/A-18 Hornets from the end of the FCI (Fighter Combat Instructor) course. All of the Hornets signalled their return to base at 7am with a high speed, low level flypast before joining downwind to land Runway 30.
This is what the RAAF had to say on their facebook page
Quote:
Up to 30 aircraft will perform a ‘dawn strike’ at RAAF Williamtown this Thursday, 23 June 2011, as the Royal Australian Air Force’s newest fighter combat instructors return home from Exercise Aces North.
Aces North represented the final three weeks of the challenging fighter combat instructor course that saw the pilots put their newly developed skills into practice and make decisions which will shape the way the Air Force fights in the future. Aces North was conducted from RAAF Bases Tindal and Darwin from 30 May and will conclude tomorrow.
Thursday’s exercise, called Dawn Strike, will be the culmination of the five-month long course and represents the pilots’ final mission prior to graduation. It is scheduled to run from 5.30 to 7am.
Commanding Officer No. 2 Operational Control Unit, Wing Commander David Smith, said the integration of new platforms during Aces North provided Air Force with a greatly enhanced network centric war fighting capability.
“The integration of the Wedgetail and Super Hornet adds another dimension to our war fighting capability and ultimately Australia’s preparedness to protect our national interests,” WGCDR Smith said.
“This is an exciting time not only for the students and instructors, but also for the greater Air Force, as we use new capabilities and develop new procedures in simulated war-like conflict.”
Fighter combat instructors form an elite fraternity of the most advanced and experienced fighter pilots. Their role is to provide leadership in the development of fighter tactics and determine how those tactics can be used to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s joint war- fighting capability.
“The fighter combat courses put our members through some of the most challenging and intensive situations to ensure we can produce our next generation of elite tactical leaders,” WGCDR Smith said.
“Their expertise, skill and experience affords them the reputation of being among the finest exponents of air warfare in the world.”
The fighter combat instructor course is one of the most challenging courses in the student’s flying career. It aims to train the most experienced fighter aircrew in the highest level of air combat tactics and large force employment. It is conducted every two years and provides experienced F/A-18 Hornet pilots with extensive training in all air combat related roles.
http://www.facebook.com/notes/royal-...50219647062831
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Here are some photos from this morning:
23rd June 2011, 01:04 PM
RAAF Williamtown Base 23/6/11
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