by Mick.B » Sun May 01, 2011 11:59 pm
They are off to Exercise Bersama Shield 2011. Thought for a while we were not going to have any Rhinos left at Amberley.
RAAF Amberley's No 1 Squadron is preparing to deploy the Super Hornets on their first overseas exercise as they get set to join air, ground and naval forces from Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom for Exercise Bersama Shield 2011. The two-week exercise officially kicks off on 2 May and will see assets from the participating nations battling it out in various locations on the Malaysian Peninsula and in the South China Sea. The Super Hornets will practice air combat tactics under the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) with participating nations. This year marks the 40th Anniversary of successful co-operation between the founding members. This significant milestone will be celebrated during Exercise Bersama Lima on 1 November 2011. The Super Hornet is a true multi-role fighter. They bring a complex air combat capability that will allow Australia to maintain its air combat superiority, effectively contribute to regional security and enhance interoperability with regional partners, such as that exercised during Bersama Shield. Training in exercises such as Bersama Shield 2011 is important for Air Force personnel to hone key skills, work as a combined force and build regional relationships with participating nations. Exercise Bersama Shield also promotes a shared understanding of procedures for air and maritime operations, the protection of the marine environment and disaster relief management. The exercise will wrap-up on 13 May. The first 15 Super Hornets were delivered to Australia during 2010. The remaining nine jets to complete the fleet of 24 Super Hornets will be delivered by the end of the year. Participating in Bersama Shield brings the Super Hornets another step closer to declaring Final Operational Capability (FOC), which is anticipated next year. From RAAF.
Long live the Pig.