The RAAF’s 77SQN (classic Hornets) and 2SQN (Wedgetail) have begun intensive workup efforts ahead of deploying to Nellis AFB, Nevada, for exercise Red Flag 14-1 later this month.
“Aircrew from 77 Squadron yesterday [Thursday 2 January 2014] commenced a week of ‘workup’ training in the F/A-18 Hornet simulator at RAAF Base Williamtown before taking to the air on this coming Monday [January 6] to prepare for Red Flag missions. Night flying will occur between 8 and 14 January, however Salt Ash Air Weapons Range will not be used during any of the work-up training,” Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Tony Grady explained.
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“[Red Flag] provides the ultimate environment in which our Air Force personnel can showcase their extraordinary abilities in a deployed scenario,” Air Commodore Grady continued.
Some 250 RAAF personnel will deploy to Red Flag, with 77SQN sending eight F/A-18 classic Hornets, while 2SQN is sending an E-7A Wedgetail.
The exercise runs from January 23 through to February 15.
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