Airmen keep exercise participants flying high down under

  • Published
  • By Capt. Bryan Lewis
  • Talisman Sabre Public Affairs
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE DARWIN, Australia (AFNS) --  The Northern Australian Outback offers many dangers to those who venture across its terrain, including six of the most venomous snakes in the world, saltwater crocodiles, and multiple poisonous insects. However, it is the young tigers, eagles and hornets in Australia's sky that are garnering much attention.

Currently, high above the threats of the Outback, U.S. Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force fighter aircraft conduct a mock air war during an exercise here designed to strengthen interoperability between the two forces. However, without the continued support of Airmen in KC-135 Stratotankers from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, the fighters would be spending more time on the ground and less time training during Exercise Talisman Saber 2009.

"We're just one piece of the puzzle," said Capt. Luke Moch, a pilot with 909th ARS. "We've been doing this for many years. This is our bread and butter, and we continue training to make it easier for our receivers." 

The puzzle includes F-15 Eagles from the 67th Fighter Squadron from Kadena AB, C-17 Globemaster IIIs from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and RAAF F-18 Hornets all working together to train both countries' air forces in planning and conducting air operations intended to improve combat readiness and interoperability. One only needs to glance at the silhouette next to the boom operator during missions here to experience the joint aspects of this operation.

Flying seven to eight refueling sorties a day, the American Airmen joined by RAAF air refueling operators who are gaining more than just flying time with the U.S. boom operators.

"(The U.S. Airmen) have been fantastic and treated us like one of their own," said Warrant Officer Darrell Bent, an RAAF air refueling operator. "We wanted to see a whole bunch of receivers. It's the next best thing to being in the boom pod." 

Before, during and after the flight, the RAAF operators can be seen assisting in many of the required procedures. In fact, Warrant Officer Bent said the four Aussie operators completed their training with KC-135s in the U.S. and appreciate the opportunity to help since they are still waiting on the delivery of their KC-30As.

Finishing their training just months ago, all RAAF operators remain qualified, and their familiarity with the jet has been an asset to those sitting in the boom pod. 

"It is the first time most of us have actually refueled with Australians," said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Harwood, a 909th ARS instructor boom operator. "It's been a huge benefit having them with us. It has been great having another crew member aboard who can add to great aircrew resource management."

With operators gaining experience and assisting in the cargo compartment and boom pod and pilots flying alongside RAAF aircraft, Exercise Talisman Saber continues providing valuable training that will outlast its July 25 end date. 

"They could refuel us one day," Captain Moch said. "This is why we practice all the techniques and procedures.