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US Air Force F-22 Raptors have arrived at Base Tindal to train with RAAF aircraft as part of the Enhanced Air Cooperation (EAC) program.
It builds on previous training activities, which recently included the deployment of B-1 Lancer aircraft from Base Darwin and B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers from Base Amberley.
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Air Vice-Marshal Darren Goldie, Air Commander Australia, noted the importance of enhancing bilateral defence ties as part of the United States Force Posture Initiative.
“It is testament to how well our two Air Forces assimilate, that these incredible aircraft are able to visit our bases and utilise our infrastructure and support services, so we can all train closely with one another,” AVM Goldie added.
AVM Goldie went on to welcome USAF counterparts to the Top End.
“Dry season in the Northern Territory is always a busy time for our Air Force, as you just cannot beat the training opportunities our ranges in the Top End present,” he said.
“I welcome the visiting United States personnel and hope they get as much out of working with us as we do with them.
Last week, Australian Aviation reported how the US B-2 bombers left Base Amberley after a month of training with RAAF F-35s.
The UFO-like Spirit can carry nuclear weapons and is thought to be the most expensive aircraft ever made, valued at around $2 billion each.
Their visit came amid increasing tension between the US and China as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. China retaliated by testing ballistic missiles over Taipei for the first time.
The visit of the batwing B-2s to Base Amberley likely amounts to the biggest ever deployment of the US’s most important military jet to Australia, with the country’s active fleet only numbering 20.
In total, six B-2s have visited Base Amberley this year, with one aircraft touching down in March before the current deployment began in July.
Gary Smith
says:For goodness sake, once again when detailing RAAF Bases it is RAAF Tindal or RAAF Base Tindal etc. Stop using Base Tindal or Base Amberley and so on!
Adam Thorn
says:Technically, Qantas’ name is actually Qantas Airways PTY LTD, but we just call it Qantas. For the same reason we will call RAAF Base Tindal ‘Base Tindal’ or even ‘Tindal’ because, in the context, everyone knows what this means.
Hope this helps!
Adam