Obama to visit Australia

[Mick.B]

Originally Posted by Andrew McLaughlin

Current plan is they'll transit AKL on March 22nd, arrive CBR on the 23rd (dunno what times yet), and arrive early arvo on the 24th at AMB from what I understand.

Thanks Mate

[Bob C]

Thanks for the confirmation about the delivery flight Andrew.

But I wonder why they are stopping in Auckland along the way ?

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Originally Posted by Bob C

But I wonder why they are stopping in Auckland along the way ?

I'm guessing so they can better predict their TOT and be fresher for CBR. For those in CBR, I hear there'll be a fly past of all five jets down the lake past Pollie Palace and Russell Hill.

[Charlie Carter]

So they're not coming to Sydney?

[Bob C]

It would appear not Charlie unless they did a fly over of some sort and it's probably not necessary anyway.

Come to think of it, neither is the visit to Canberra, unless of course the Government wants to gain political mileage out of the F/A18Fs' arrival.

But we should remember that it was the previous Liberal Government that ordered the Fs and the then Opposition opposed the deal. And it would appear that this purchase has proceeded without any dramas, on time, under budget and we're getting a pretty decent combat proven aircraft, so the cynic in me feels that there must be political mileage to be gained.

Perhaps a big lesson to be learned for future acquisitions ?

[Montague S]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Hi Monty - long time no hear - I did read that Obama was calling into NZ on the way here!

Very dull and boring in sleepy, dry as a bone Perth (NO rain since November).

I was under the impression that Indonesia was the first port of call on this tour?!

plenty of rain and hail over here, bit cold too!

[Andrew P]

Guam is before Indonesia

[Bob C]

Hi guys

I think we're at 6s and 7s over this and getting very confused and in knots.

1). It would appear that Obama's tour MAY have been cancelled so that he can remain in the US to work on his Health policy.

2). Andrew McL has dismissed the "Australian's" report about a possible escort by RAAF F/A18Fs and confirms what I thought.

3). The F/A18Fs are transitting through Auckland before heading on to Canberra as Andrew suggested.

4). Even if Obama's tour does proceed in a few weeks, others have said he is visiting Indonesia first before Australia.

5). Let's now concentrate on the F/A18F delivery flight.

[William Bradley]

hey there guys, good to hear the F18s may be coming through Auckland, if this was the case then would the Omega tanker come with them to AKL? would they even need to be refuled on a trans-tasman hop?

Any info would be appreciated

Cheers

[Steve Jones]

According to the Press, the visit is delayed 3 days and may be shortened. It will be interesting to see if this changes the Australian itinerary and how this might impact the FA-18Fs.