Australian-US co-operation on display in Exercise Lightning Focus

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Aircraft from Williamtown and Amberley have completed a training exercise with United States Air Force B-1B Lancers from the United States’ Pacific Air Force over the eastern coast of Australia.
 
Exercise Lightning Focus included up to 30 jets flying at any given time.
 
Commander of RAAF’s Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Mike Kitcher AM, said the integrated training between Australia and United States Pacific Air Force was an important, on-going military activity.
 
“The B-1B Lancers’ participation in this exercise is part of the Enhanced Air Cooperation program, which aims to increase the interoperability between Australia and the United States,” Air Commodore Kitcher said.
 
“Conducting these flying activities is critical to our ongoing regional partnerships, and provides specific currency and qualification training for our aircrew.”
 
Lightning Focus commenced on 20 November 2017 and wrapped up on 2 December 2017.
 
Australian F/A-18F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler aircraft from RAAF Base Amberley, and F/A-18A Hornet from RAAF Base Williamtown participated in the exercise.
 
A KC-30A Multi-role Tanker Transport from RAAF Base Amberley provided refuelling operations for all RAAF aircraft flying during the activity, and two E-7A Wedgetail aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown provided command and control of the exercise.
 
The Pacific Air Forces Bomber Training Program continues a long-standing and mutually beneficial program of combined training initiatives and exercises involving Australia and the United States.