RAAF pilots to train in Townsville

The Royal Australian Air Force are set to touch down in Townsville once again as they roll out the final stage of a plan to prepare the next generation of Australian Fighter Pilots.

Two Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft taxi out for a sortie during Exercise High Sierra 23 at RAAF Base Townsville in Queensland.

The Royal Australian Air Force are set to touch down in Townsville once again as they roll out the final stage of a plan to prepare the next generation of Australian Fighter Pilots.

Exercise High Sierra 23-2 will get under way from November 20 and run through to December 6 as the final phase of the F-35A Lightning II operational conversion course, which will see pilots graduate into the Air Force’s No 81 Wing.

Commanding Officer of 2 Operational Conversion Unit, Wing Commander Philip Eldridge, welcomed the chance for the prospective pilots to deploy away from their homebase in NSW.

A Pilot from No.76 Squadron starts his Hawk 127 Aircraft during Exercise High Sierra 23 at RAAF Base Townsville in Queensland.

“Deploying away from our home base – RAAF Base Williamtown in NSW – allows our pilots to train in an unfamiliar environment, practice large force employment with other air force squadrons, and practice delivery of high-explosive ordnance into an air weapons range,” Wing Commander Eldridge said.

“This allows the pilots to practice the skills used in real conflicts, developing the ability to defend Australia and its national interests.

“We are very grateful of the ongoing support that air force receives from the people of Townsville and the wider region.”

During the month-long exercise pilots and crews will be challenged in a number of training situations, operating away from the main base, planning and executing large force scenarios and delivering explosive ordnance on-target.

Originally published as RAAF pilots to train in Townsville