Whole squadron of F-22s land in Australia today

A squadron of United States Air Force F-22 Raptors will arrive in Australia today for a series of advanced warfighting exercises with the RAAF.

CAPTION: F-22s arrive at RAAF Base Tindal during a monsoonal downpour. Photo by Sergeant Andrew Eddie.

Minister for Defence Marise Payne said the visit was the first ‘Enhanced Air Cooperation’ (EAC) activity in Australia under US Force Posture Initiatives.

The visiting F-22s will be located at RAAF Base Tindal.

This will be the largest and longest rotation of fifth-generation aircraft to visit Australia to date.

“The F-22s will conduct integrated training activities with the Royal Australian Air Force’s 75 Squadron F/A-18A/B Hornets along with ground assets and personnel,” Minister Payne said.

“The EAC aims to strengthen bilateral collaboration and interoperability with the United States.

“The commencement of EAC activities in 2017 will continue to strengthen our already close air-to-air relationship with the United States.

“EAC will build on a range of air exercises and training activities already undertaken between Australia and the United States.

“While EAC will see an increase in training, it will be on a short-term rotational basis using Australian facilities.”

The USAF F-22s along with the RAAF’s F/A-18A/B Hornets will also conduct short training visits to Townsville.

The F-22s will also be on public display at the Australian International Air Show in Avalon.

“Commencement of EAC activities will be followed by the sixth rotation of United States Marine Corps personnel to Darwin,” Minister Payne said.

“The 2017 rotation, arriving in Darwin in April, is forecast to be the most complex Marine Air Ground Task Force deployed to Australia.

“Approximately 1250 marines and up to 13 aircraft, including four MV-22 Osprey, will create opportunities for more complex and sophisticated training activities.”

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F-22s arrive at RAAF Base Tindal during a monsoonal downpour. Photo by Sergeant Andrew Eddie.
F-22s arrive at RAAF Base Tindal during a monsoonal downpour. Photo by Sergeant Andrew Eddie.

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Posted by Brian Hartigan

Managing Editor Contact Publishing Pty Ltd PO Box 3091 Minnamurra NSW 2533 AUSTRALIA

2 thoughts on “Whole squadron of F-22s land in Australia today

  • 02/08/2021 at 2:18 pm
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    Hi rik, don`t sell yourself short your a veteran, you served and the Country and Navy thanks you.

    Reply
  • 24/07/2019 at 10:53 pm
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    Hi, i am a navy sailor 1980 to 1986, I would never call myself a veteran. I was proud to serve, but , … really it was just a job that paid my way. all the blokes i served with would say the same thing, i got no medals and did not deserve them, my brother served in Vietnam and saw some heavy shit, and he always regretted volunteering for that . I love all you guys who served, we are a proud bunch of blokes who have a secret smile on Anzac day and watch those movies about war and mateship with a knowledge that those who have not been in the military will never have ..We are the lucky ones, we few , the band of brothers… Goodnight Men..

    Reply

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