Flying schedule
- The Royal Australian Air Force will deploy personnel and aircraft to RAAF Base Townsville to conduct Exercise High Sierra 23-1
- 12 June to 06 July 2023
The Royal Australian Air Force will deploy personnel and aircraft to RAAF Base Townsville to conduct Exercise High Sierra 23-1 from 12 June to 06 July 2023.
Exercise High Sierra is the final phase of the F-35A Lightning II operational conversion course which aims to graduate the newest generation of fast jet pilots for 81 Wing.
The exercise will also support the E-7A Wedgetail operational conversion course for co-pilots, surveillance and control officers, and electronic support measures operators.
Commanding Officer of 2 Operational Conversion Unit, Wing Commander Philip Eldridge, said that this will be the first time the exercise has been conducted with F-35A Lightning II aircraft operating out of RAAF Base Townsville.
“Previous iterations of operational conversion training have been conducted as Exercise Rogue Ambush in Darwin, or with F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets at RAAF Base Townsville. This will be the first time an operational conversion has been conducted in Townsville with the F-35A,” Wing Commander Eldridge said.
“Exercise High Sierra aims to graduate combat ready F-35A fast jet pilots and E-7A aircrew capable of operating in complex environments.”
The aircraft will operate from RAAF Base Townsville, as well as into the Shoalwater Bay Training area north of Rockhampton.
“Air Force appreciates the continued support of the North Queensland community during Exercise High Sierra, in particular the residents near RAAF Base Townsville,” WGCDR Eldridge said.
During this exercise the pilots and crews will need to successfully operate away from a main operating base, plan and execute a large force employment scenario and deliver explosive ordnance into the weapons range.
“As this is the final phase of operational conversion course, challenging the pilots and crews will provide them with the experience and skillset required in combat operations,” WGCDR Eldridge said.
Supporting the exercise are multiple other RAAF aircraft platforms including the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter and KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport.
Aircraft will operate on weekdays during daylight flying hours for the duration of Exercise High Sierra 23-1.
Air Force appreciates the ongoing support of the local community during these vital training activities.
For more information, visit the Defence Aircraft Noise website or call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).