Air Force aircraft and personnel depart for the Middle East

The main contingent of Royal Australian Air Force personnel and aircraft has departed for the Middle East today from RAAF Bases Amberley and Williamtown.
 
The aircraft included F/A-18F Super Hornets, a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport and an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.
 
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO, said he was proud of the preparation work conducted by all Air Force personnel in the lead-up to the deployment.
 
“Today marked the departure of the main Air Force contingent deploying to the Middle East,” said Air Marshal Brown.
 
“The large amount of preparation conducted to deploy such a potent and capable force in a relatively short time is testament to the professionalism and skill of our Air Force.”
 
Following the Government’s decision to prepare to contribute to international led efforts to disrupt and degrade ISIL, the Australian Defence Force is deploying approximately 600 ADF personnel to the Middle East where they will prepare to respond to future Government decisions regarding Iraq.
 
Media note: 
Vision will be fed to the Parliamentary Press Gallery this afternoon.
 
Defence imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20142832
 
Details of the aircraft deploying are available at www.airforce.gov.au/technology/aircraft/
 
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999