RAAF Orions join US Navy in submarine hunt

From the Australian Defense Magazine (May 23): RAAF Orions join US Navy in submarine hunt



RAAF Sensor Employment Manager, Flight Lieutenant Steve Finley (left), describes the RAAF AP-3C Orion's Electro Optical Camera to Philippines Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Rhonette Bihasa while RAAF Airborne Electronics Analyst, Sergeant Troy Cousins, operates the Electro Optics Camera for Philippines Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Marc Hel Geonanga during an Orion maritime surveillance patrol in the Sulu Sea as part of Exercise BALIKATAN.

The ADF participated in the Philippines/US Exercise BALIKATAN which ran from 21 April – 16 May 14. The exercise was conducted on the islands of Luzon and Palawan in the Philippines.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) AP-3C Orion aircraft joined forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US Navy (USN) in a test of Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) off the Philippines coast.

An AP-3C Orion from No. 92 Wing flew a maritime surveillance sortie, in support of a USN P-3C, using an Expendable Mobile ASW Training Target.

The activity was held as part Exercise BALIKATAN 2014, the major regional exercise for the Philippines and the US.

Exercise BALIKATAN Australian Contingent Commander, Wing Commander Nicholas Pratt said this was a significant event for all involved.

“The P3 flying program highlighted the mutual cooperation that is required during a maritime security scenario such as that being exercised during BALIKATAN 2014”

Both flights included members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who were able to observe the capabilities and techniques being employed on these types of flights.

“RAAF’s participation in the Exercise helped reinforce the positive relationships between the ADF, the AFP and the USN" he said.

“It was a great opportunity for AFP members to observe and participate in both flights.

“Activities such as today's missions are directly contributing to stronger regional security cooperation,” Wing Commander Pratt said.

http://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/raaf-orions-join-us-navy-in-submarine-hunt