The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has dispatched its two largest aircraft, a C-17A Globemaster III and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, to the United States for Exercise Mobility Guardian.
Held in Washington State from 09-27 September, Exercise Mobility Guardian is conducted by the United States Air Force (USAF) to rehearse of key air mobility roles.
This includes air-to-air refuelling from the KC-30A, aerial delivery of cargo to drop zones by the C-17A and aeromedical evacuation training.
Most of the 100 Australian personnel deployed to this exercise are from RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland who will join more than 26 other nations and 60 aircraft.
The Australian element is led by the Commanding Officer of No. 33 Squadron, Wing Commander Sarah Stalker, who said RAAF medical, security, intelligence, aircrew, maintenance and other support personnel will be working closely with and learning from their counterparts from other Defence Forces.
"Exercise Mobility Guardian will involve participants from the US, New Zealand, UK and Canada - just to name a few," Wing Commander Stalker said.
"Our role is to work with these international partners to deliver a first stage response to emergency scenarios, providing aeromedical evacuation support, personnel recovery and refuelling to other aircraft involved.
"Air mobility is a critical part of how a modern defence force maintains its logistical links, and responds during real-world humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions."
Working alongside the RAAF's KC-30A and C-17A at Exercise Mobility Guardian are the USAF's colossal C-5M Galaxy transport, its KC-135 and KC-10 tankers, and the Royal Air Force's A400M Atlas turboprop.
"Exercise Mobility Guardian allows us to train with the best and leverage off invaluable opportunities developed by the USAF's Air Mobility Command."
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