Article Posted on : - Jul 10, 2011

An RAAF Hornet fighter. Australian MoD photo

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE (BNS): The Royal Australian Air Force is taking part in US-led multinational exercise Red Flag that begins in Alaska on Monday.

The RAAF’s seven F/A-18 Hornet fighters from Williamtown’s No 3 Squadron arrived at the Eielson Air Force Base to participate in the two-week long air combat training exercise.

“Red Flag is one of the largest exercises Australia will participate in this year,” Commanding Officer No 3 Squadron, Wing Commander Terry van Haren said.

“It provides a realistic combat environment in which our Air Force personnel can showcase their extraordinary abilities in a coalition scenario,” the official added.

The coalition wargame will expose the Australian aircrew to large scale force employment, when they perform counter air, precision strike and offensive air support in packages of up to 100 aircraft.

A C-130J Hercules airlifter from 37 Squadron at RAAF Richmond will provide strategic air lift and logistic support, the Australian Defence Ministry said.

Other countries participating in exercise include Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

The wargame, led by the United States Pacific Air Forces Command, will conclude on July 22.