RAAF: 6 Squadron members stop by Darwin for circumnavigation challenge

A century ago, two legends of 6 Squadron achieved an incredible flying feat. This week, the squadron will replicate the achievement in world-class attack jets.

Flight Lieutenant Max Harlen (left) and Wing Commander Steven Thornton (right) are circumnavigating the nation in the world class EA-18G Growler. Picture: Harry Brill.

The Top End is accustomed to multimillion-dollar combat jets dog-fighting in the skies above.

This week, however, a small group of jet pilots have undergone a new challenge as part of a unique training activity inspired by their flying forefathers a century ago.

At the weekend, members of Queensland’s 6 Squadron enjoyed some well-earned rest in Darwin as part of their attempt to circumnavigate Australia in their cutting edge EA-18G Growler electronic attack jets – 100 years after the squadron first achieved the feat.

Commanding Officer Wing Commander Steven Thornton said the challenge offered several opportunities.

“This is 6 Squadron’s opportunity to commemorate the circumnavigation route under what we’re calling Exercise Centenary Readiness 24 and that’s an opportunity for us to go around and do the same path that (our predecessors) did on their terms,” he said.

“But we are putting another couple of filters over the top – we’re doing some agile operations, so we’ve got two aircraft with support personnel and that’s designed to facilitate us being comfortable with moving aeroplanes at will to small and remote airfields around Australia.”

Members of 6 Squadron enjoyed a couple of nights in Darwin to rest before they continue their mammoth challenge. Picture: Harry Brill.

Wing Commander Thornton said there was also capacity to give aspiring aviators across northern Australia a first-hand experience in the cockpit.

“Finally, we’re doing some incentive flights to motivate upcoming aviators that want to pursue a career in aviation – specifically air combat groups, so one a few flying training schools will have an opportunity to give their best and brightest the opportunity to fly in the back seat of a Growler.”

The first plane to circumnavigate the country was flown by Wing Commander Stanley James Goble and Flight Lieutenant Ivor Ewing McIntyre in a Fairey IIID Seaplane – a major achievement not lost on 6 Squadron’s current day custodians.

“I would say the some of the flying conditions for us are a little more comfortable and we certainly aren’t sleeping in remote locations,” Wing Commander Thornton said.

“We’re on RAAF bases or civil accommodation so it’s a little bit more comfortable for us and our equipment is a little bit more modern so navigation for those early aviators was quite difficult.”

The Fairey IIID Seaplane – the first plane to circumnavigate Australia – was flown by Wing commander Stanley James Goble and flight lieutenant Ivor Ewing McIntyre who followed the coastline by air.

Flight Lieutenant Max Harlen said there was a “stark contrast” between the Growler – worth upwards of $100 million – and its 1924 predecessor.

“(In 1924) they had some pretty austere conditions and limitations with their aircraft – they had a maximum speed of 90 knots and today we have a maximum speed of 750 knots.”

And how has Flight Lieutenant Harlen found his pilot journey so far?

“I’ve been lucky enough to do some incredible exercises all around the globe, mainly in the United States and the Pacific region,” he said.

“I think if you want a challenging career and develop new skills then a fast jet career is probably one of the peak options to have that.”

6 Squadron are scheduled to arrive in Port Hedland on Monday.