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The Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force have collaborated to reinforce interoperability and joint response in complex environments.
As part of Exercise Mobility Astra, RAAF members operated a Hercules C-130J out of RNZAF Base Woodbourne’s, providing crews with a new and challenging environment to train in.
“Flying in New Zealand can be challenging at times, as the weather can be quite dynamic,” said RAAF Flight Lieutenant James Bendun.
“Some of the drop zones that we conducted flying in are in valley locations and quite high up in the terrain, which is something we don’t have the opportunity to do back in Australia.”
Woodbourne’s narrow airstrip and mountainous terrain allowed RAAF members to adapt their regular practice to suit an unfamiliar environment, enabling them to increase their skills and ability to respond to dynamic situations.
As part of the exercise, crews were trained on the continued integration of the High Velocity Container Delivery Systems, which requires detailed and highly specific procedures to ensure all rigging and restraint mechanisms are effectively in place.
“We were loading cargo to be airdropped, as well as handling passengers,” said Leading Aircraftman Dylan Kramer.
“Working closely with the RNZAF has been a great experience.
“The lessons I have learnt about interoperability have been invaluable.”
Ensuring interchangeability, RAAF and RNZAF personnel worked closely alongside each other in practical efforts and logistics to ensure cohesion and strong collaboration.
The RAAF and RNZAF have consistently worked together on aerial defence exercises and, as close allies, are prepared to work alongside each other in a potential conflict environment.
“Exercise Mobility Astra has been a great opportunity to reinforce training between the nations we have been operating with,” said FLTLT Bendun.
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