Page 33 - Williams Foundation Air-Sea Integration Seminar

Shaping an Integrated Force in the Extended Battlespace

destroyer will use its systems as well to pass the data around to everyone, and making sure everyone's
connected.

"The E-7 is a critical node in working force integration and making sure we're all seeing the same thing at the
same time, and not running into each other, and getting each other space. We're not on a ten second scan.
We are bringing the information to the war fighter or to whoever needs it right then."

Question: During the visit, we have been in the squadron building, the hangar and in the System
Program Office collocated with the squadron.

What advantages does that bring?

Group Captain Bellingham: "It facilitates a close working relationship between the combat force and the
system developers.

"We can share our combat experiences with the RAAF-industry team in the SPO and to shape a concrete way
ahead in terms of development.

"The team is very proactive in working collaboratively to get to the outcome we're looking for."

Question: In the SPO facility, you have a Virtual Wedgetail, which is the currently configured Wedgetail
systems but located on the ground.

How as that worked for you?

Group Captain Bellingham: "It is crucial for reaching out to the warfighting community. We have plugged into
both Army and Navy officer training courses.

"We are using it to work closely with the Army and Navy getting ready for our Fall exercise with the LHD to
shape a task force concept of the amphibious ships.

It provides a realistic way for Army and Navy officers to see what we contribute to their warfighting tasks.

"We need a crew in the Virtual Wedgetail to make it work because they have to have the right experience
and background to provide that level of reality to the force which then the warfighters can experience what
we can bring right now to the fight.

"We are also working with 7th Fleet. We work with the PACAF as well. We sent two planes to Pitch Black
2016 and are participating as well in the current Red Flag Alaska. This allows for Australia and the United
States to shape synergies in the force.

"We put three layers of officers into the AOC that was running the Pacific Thunder exercise to ensure the
success from our perspective and get people to understand it.

"We've definitely been invited back so we'll be there again beginning of next year doing it again which will
be great."

Question: The software upgradeability aspect of the plane means that you have to inform the broader
warfighting community of what the evolving aircraft is now capable of. We saw those concerns when
we visited Jax Navy and talked with the P-8 and Trion squadrons.

How are dealing with this challenge?

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