Photo By Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro | From right, U.S. Air Force (USAF) Capt. Joseph Gonzalez, Maj. Christopher Dunn, and...... read more read more
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NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. – The U.S. Air Force Weapons School hosted Royal Australian Air Force No. 2 Squadron, based in Williamtown, Australia, flying their E-7A Wedgetail for the first time as part of the Weapons School’s integration phase, May 20 through June 12, 2024.
The USAF and RAAF use joint exercises and training programs to maximize the E-7A's command and control capabilities in combined operations.
“Joint and combined exercises are essential for force generation and technical integration with our coalition partners,” said RAAF Wing Commander Samuel Thorpe, commanding officer of No. 2 Squadron. “Through the unique capabilities of the E-7A, the survivability and lethality of the joint and combined force is increased significantly. To further highlight the enduring nature of our partnership, No. 2 Squadron has trained and continues to train Royal Air Force (RAF) and U.S. Air Forces aircrew, maintainers and support staff.”
In 2022, the Department of the Air Force selected the E-7A to replace the aging E-3 Sentry fleet.
“The E-7A will be a critical node in the Air Force’s ability to gain and maintain air superiority in support of combatant commander priority missions,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shahin Namazi, E-7A director of operations. “The E-7A will provide advanced airborne moving target indication and battle management, command and control capabilities, and advanced multi-role electronically scanned array radar that enhances airborne battle management and enables long-range kill chains against potential adversaries.”
The USAF and RAAF agreed to an expanded exchange program to train with RAAF, Royal Australian Navy, U.S. Navy and RAF personnel, supporting the E-7A aircraft's USAF service introduction. These 70 Airmen, from 13 career fields, will return from the program by the end of 2024 and support its integration.
“The tri-lateral E-7A acquisition and operations initiative between the RAAF, RAF and USAF will lead to an interoperable and interchangeable coalition E-7A community,” said Namazi, “This will enable highly flexible operations in support of national defense priorities.”
No. 2 Squadron, now a multi-national integrated unit, regularly participates in global exercises with joint partners to develop and test E-7A tactics with air superiority and maritime strike forces.
“While the E-7A is a technical cut above traditional airborne early warning and control platforms, it really comes down to the dedication of the people who operate, maintain and support it at No. 2 Squadron,” said Thorpe. “It is easy to focus on the platform, however, the true secret to the success of the E-7A is the innovation, professionalism and dedication of our aviators that make it the world-leading platform that it is today.”
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2024 19:08 |
| Story ID: | 473804 |
| Location: | NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA, US |
| Web Views: | 826 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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