The US Air Force (USAF) personnel have demonstrated forward aerial refuelling tactics with the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force counterparts during Talisman Sabre 2015.
The demonstration saw the members of the 353rd Special Operations Group and fuel specialists from the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) performing steps intended to rapidly deploy a forward area manifold cart and hook up fuel hoses from their aircraft to a helicopter.
18th LRS fuels specialist staff sergeant John Dillard said: "We’re a forward area fuel extension, so we can set up anywhere, such as a farmer’s field or on a remote airstrip and act as a mobile gas station where aircraft can stop, refuel and either continue their mission or get home safely.
"They’re in the process of rebuilding their forward aerial refuelling teams, so this allows us to show them what we have and they can use what ideas they like most and tailor it to their missions."
According to the 353rd SOG and Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component commander Colonel Clay Freeman, this training demonstration is relevant for the US and Australia and highlights the alliance between the two nations.
It provided the Australian Forces with the knowledge to establish similar capabilities for their future operations, the USAF stated.
The Talisman Sabre exercise is conducted every two years between the US and Australia. It is designed to incorporate activities at sea, on land, and in the air.
This year, the training activities are being conducted across both north-east Queensland and the Northern Territory
Image: Airmen from the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, partner with members from the Australian Army for a refuelling exercise. Photo: courtesy of US Army photo / Sgt Steven Peterson.
