RAAF AND US OREGON AIR NATIONAL GUARD JETS CONDUCT OVERFLIGHT OF SYDNEY HARBOUR

WHAT: Two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU, based at Williamtown, near Newcastle), and three US Oregon Air National Guard (ANG) F-15C Eagle aircraft will be performing an overflight of Sydney Harbour.

On the way to and from Sydney, the aircraft will conduct training activities. While over Sydney, aircraft imagery will be taken.

WHERE: Two F/A-18 aircraft and three F-15C aircraft will enter Sydney Harbour near Watson’s Bay from the east, tracking along the Harbour at 1500 feet altitude, at speeds of approximately 700-750km/h. Between Watson’s Bay and the Harbour Bridge the formation will fly at 1000 feet over water.

Upon reaching the Harbour Bridge, aircraft will climb to 3000 feet and change formation to one F/A-18 Hornet and three F-15C Eagles; with the second F/A-18 Hornet acting as photographic aircraft. The aircraft will then execute a 180-degree clockwise turn at Huntley’s Point, overflying Riverview and Northwood. Once east of the Harbour Bridge, the aircraft will descend back to 1000 feet and track east through the heads before proceeding on the coastal route back to RAAF Williamtown.

WHEN: Friday, 29 August, 2008 at approximately 2.15pm to 2.35pm.

WHO: Commanding Officer 2OCU, Wing Commander Philip Gordon, will be available for interview.

US Oregon Air National Guard Units are currently based at RAAF Williamtown to support Number 30 Fighter Combat Instructor’s (30 FCI) course which commenced 30 June this year.

30 FCI course represents important training for experienced aircrew; providing participating Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 and F-111 pilots and Air Combat Officers with the highest possible level of fighter combat skills.

The involvement of US Air National Guard Units delivers vital opportunities for RAAF to train with and against foreign military aircraft.

From Defence Media