Page 55 - May 2019

On The Radar
HMAS Brisbane integrates with Air fleet were retired and A2-310, in
company with two other Hueys, made
Force Fifth Generation Fighters a final fly-past over Brisbane that day.
To commemorate these two
significant aircraft, QAM in company
Her Majesty’s Australian Ships Brisbane modern and advanced platforms in the with Caloundra RSL have produced
and Melbourne have successfully Air Force. limited edition prints for sale through
integrated into Exercise DIAMOND “Exercise DIAMOND SHIELD the QAM shop at $20.
SHIELD, the Royal Australian Air showcased what’s possible when More than 100 RAAF 5 Squadron
Force’s Tier 1 air defence activity. combining the lethality and advanced veterans recently held a reunion at QAM
Operating off the coast of Newcastle, capability of the Navy’s Air Warfare with A2-310.
Brisbane embarked three Fighter Destroyers with fifth generation fighter QAM is open to the public every day
Controllers from the Fleet Fighter aircraft,” he said. from 10am-4pm and experienced tour
Control Element, based at RAAF The Commanding Officer of HMAS guides are on duty each Monday and
Williamtown. Brisbane, Commander Josh Wilson said Wednesday or by booking a group tour
Throughout the exercise, Brisbane DIAMOND SHIELD provided the perfect on the web-site.
and Melbourne contributed to high-end opportunity for the Australian Defence Book at www.qam.com.au or call in
air warfare activities which tested the Force to achieve a significant capability to see Australia’s largest and diverse
crew and greatly expanded collective milestone. historic aviation display.
understanding of complex warfighting “Achieving the first integration of
scenarios. the Destroyer capability with the Fifth Maws on 6 5 th
Fighter Controllers had the Generation Joint Strike Fighter is of Anniversary Celebration
opportunity to control a range of assets particular significance.
including F/A-18F Super Hornets and “The opportunity to integrate cutting Hobart Function &
EA-18G Growlers, with up to 30 assets edge air and maritime assets in a high end Conference Centre
airborne at any one time. warfighting scenario is rare and proved an
Brisbane’s participation in DIAMOND invaluable experience for the Brisbane 07 September
SHIELD formed part of her Deployment team,” Commander Wilson said.
Readiness work up as she prepares to The Fleet Fighter Control Element The Australian National Antarctic
conduct weapon firing and certifications seamlessly integrated into the Brisbane Research Expeditions (ANARE) Club
in the United States later this year. operations room team, demonstrating is holding an anniversary in Hobart
The large number of live air assets the ease with which Fighter Controllers during September to celebrate 65 years
provided a number of challenges for contribute to high-end warfighting since Mawson Station was established
the operations and sensors teams that activities. in 1954.
far exceeds what can be generated in The Fleet Fighter Control Element Meet surviving members of some of
the maritime exercise areas in vicinity is based at RAAF Williamtown and the early wintering parties together with
of Jervis Bay. is a lodger unit within 3 Control and associated support personnel, ship and
Further integration of the Royal Reporting Unit. air crews.
Australian Navy’s new destroyers Navy Fighter Controllers are Maritime There will be dinner, speakers,
into complex air environments will be Warfare Officers and serve at sea as photographic exhibition, archival film
a critical pathway to realising the full Officers’ of the Watch prior to sub- clips, sales of early and modern prints of
potential of the Hobart Class in the specialising in air battle management. the Station, veterans, the ice, huskies,
future. Courtesy Navy Daily wildlife, as well as commemorative
LEUT Rory Tuit and LEUT Joshua memorabilia with a raffle and auction.
Woodward from Fleet Fighter Control Queensland Air Museum The event is open to all ANARE
Element onboard HMAS Brisbane for Caloundra Airport Club members and non-members,
Exercise DIAMOND SHIELD 2019. expeditioners and anyone interested
A highlight of the exercise saw the 7 Pathfinder Drive, in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic.
most modern and advanced Air Warfare Caloundra, QLD A special invitation is extended to
veterans from 1954 -1965 to attend and
platform in the Royal Australian Navy recount their experiences.
integrate and operate with Australia’s QAM has among its large collection of Cost: ANARE Club Members: $90;
new fifth generation fighter, the F-35A historic aircraft, Huey UH-1H A2-310. It Non-Members: $95. Tickets: https://
Lightning II. was the last Huey Helicopter delivered www.trybooking.com/448841
Fighter Controller, Lieutenant Kyle to the RAAF in 1973 and served with
We also need classic photos of
Livingstone said DIAMOND SHIELD 5, 9 and 35 Squadrons before being Mawson from any era - people, animals,
was a great opportunity to prove the transferred to the Australian Army in landscapes and the Station for the
capability of the Navy’s new destroyers 1989, where it served with 171 Sqn. photo exhibition. Email David Parer at
in a complex environment with the most On 21st September the ADF Huey mawson65@anareclub.org.au

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