Flying in the Australian heat exposes crews to the challenging tropical environment...
Background
Preparations got underway for Exercise Swift Eagle 08 with four Royal New Zealand Air Force Iroquois helicopters being loaded onto an Australian Air Force C-17 destined for Townsville, Australia.
The exercise, hosted by the Australian Defence Force, saw New Zealand Defence Force personnel, an artillery battery, artillery guns and ammunition, Iroquois helicopters, an Orion, Hercules and Boeing all playing a part in the biennial event. Contingent Commander for Exercise Swift Eagle, Wing Commander Russell Mardon said that ‘Swift Eagle was an excellent opportunity for us to train alongside the Aussies, and the results of these exercises can be seen in operational missions such as Timor Leste, where there is greater interoperability.’
No. 3 Squadron's Reflections
Rare sight
By FGOFF Craig Thornley, Pilot
Exercise Swift Eagle 2008 was held in Townsville, Australia from 10 October until 4 November, and involved four Iroquois from No 3 Squadron and a P3 from No 5 Squadron. Supporting the ADF in conducting the field exercise, which involved ‘real world’ scenarios in both urban and jungle environments, all three Australian Services participated including F18s, UAVs, Kiowas and Blackhawks in the air environment. No. 3 Squadron’s role was to conduct missions in support of both the ‘Blue Force’ and the exercise controllers. This included MEDEVACs – both real and simulated –, air mobile assaults, reconnaissance and re-supply, in addition to the heat, flies, dust and locals intent on shooting us down – and that’s even before the field exercise began.
The exercise also included a deployment into the field, operating out of a tented camp. The lack of air conditioning and hotel accommodation was no obstacle to No. 3 Squadron’s operations, as gallant Huey crews were launched into the face of small arms fire, anti-aircraft missiles, and the dusty expanse of the scenic Australian outback. Not all the crews returned unscathed however; as one brave crew was ‘shot down’ by an enemy SA-7, resulting in 24 hours of sandbag filling for the unlucky troops on board, and an evening of tea and medals for the Huey crew.
Inside view
From a junior pilot’s perspective, this exercise taught valuable lessons about interoperability with our closest neighbours. It challenged both the aircrew and the maintenance crews to work in unfamiliar and often uncomfortable conditions. The flying tied together all the skills that No.3 Squadron practice, including formation flying, low level navigation, tactical operations, as well as transporting under-slung loads and troop movements. Most importantly, it further cemented No. 3 Squadron’s reputation as the Squadron that gets the job done.
Getting the Job Done
By Crewman CPL Mikey Chrisford
Being hit in the face with a dry heat wave sent the body into an instant state of perspiration. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget as we disembarked the RNZAF Boeing 757 in Townsville.
An RNZAF Iroquois
After proceeding through customs and into our accommodation on RAAF Base Townsville, we orientated ourselves with the essential facilities that the Base had to offer – most importantly the outdoor pool – and settled in for Swift Eagle 08.
Flying in the Australian heat exposes crews to the challenging tropical environment, which No.3 Squadron often operates in. The Australian terrain requires some new considerations, as it is generally very flat in between the higher ranges. This means extra care with height information to the pilots is critical when flying at night.
Also, with the land being very dry, it means that dirt and dust is easily whipped up by the Huey’s down wash at the termination of an approach, and ‘brown out’ can occur.
Door gunner training was invaluable as we gave cover fire when contacted, and while using our Mag-58 laser attachment, to identify Landing Zones and aid in our firing accuracy during night missions.
Living in the field has its pros and cons in regards to working conditions. However, in true No. 3 Squadron style, the job always got done and always at the most professional standard.
No. 3 Squadron Maintenance
A job well done
By FLTLT Ian Cokayne, No. 3 Squadron Maintenance
The work of No. 3 Squadron maintainers and suppliers began early in October for EX SE08, prepping the four Iroquois aircraft for air transportation by C130, cleaning the aircraft and associated pack-ups ready for the Australian MAF inspection.
The movement of the aircraft to Australia was carried out using an Australian C-17. All four Iroquois fitted easily into the huge transport aircraft and within two hours of the aircraft landing, all four Iroquois were unloaded and placed into a quarantine hangar. With the aircraft rebuilds complete, the flying began. Unfortunately, this was the start of an unprecedented run of un-serviceability for No. 3 Squadron. The maintainers worked tirelessly to try to keep sufficient aircraft serviceable to meet the daily flying programme. However, the goal of having all 4 ‘Hueys’ serviceable for TAC 4 training, seemed to be dashed at every attempt.
Maintenance personnel
The supply pack-up was severely tested. Numerous spare parts were flown over from Ohakea to repair faults. Engine and flying controls seemed to be the most prevalent faults, although the Avionics Techs also had their fair share of problems to deal with. The high work rate required to meet the flying programme, generated a great sense of camaraderie amongst the ground trades. Everybody helped out, with suppliers, armourers and the S&S Tech, all helping where they could. Even the Detachment Adj was seen cleaning vehicles to free up tradesmen for aircraft work. Eventually, 16 days into the exercise, the four aircraft started to ‘behave’ and the TAC 4 training got underway. Unfortunately, there was little time for the maintainers to relax, as it was soon time to start tearing down and cleaning the aircraft ready for the trip home.
Our Great Accomplishment
By Detachment Commander, SQNLDR Nigel Cooper
The exercise was a great accomplishment with the Squadron demonstrating once again that it has the flexibility and commitment to achieve the operations bestowed upon us. A big thanks to all those who participated in the exercise, whether at home or in-theatre as part of the supporting units – you all deserve credit in making this a success.
NZDF participation in Exercise Swift Eagle 08 included:
- RNZAF No 3 Squadron deploying four Iroquois and support crews to provide battlefield support and practise aircrews in tropical environment operations.
- RNZAF No. 5 Squadron detachment including one P3-K Orion to conduct surveillance missions.
- RNZAF No. 40 Squadron C-130 Hercules to assist with the transport of personnel and supplies.
- The newly upgraded RNZAF Boeing 757 transporting supplies and personnel as part of its Operational Testing and Evaluation procedures.
- The Commanding Officer from HMNZS Canterbury training in amphibious landing preparation.
- Kapyong Battery from the Royal New Zealand Artillery’s 16 Field Regiment, participating in field training exercises and combined live firing missions.
First for No. 5 Squadron
By FLTLT Aaron Scanlon
No. 5 Squadron deployed one P3 with aircrew, operational support and maintenance staff to Exercise Swift Eagle 08. Although this exercise has traditionally been supported by the RNZAF, this was the first time that No. 5 Squadron had participated.
In general, the P3 Orion was employed as an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform completing a variety of tasks in an over-land-theatre. Through coordination with a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), the P3 was used to conduct surveillance of areas of interest, provide over-watch to advancing ground forces and air evacuations, and conduct helicopter landing site reconnaissance. In addition, the P3 provided target locations, identification and collateral damage estimates to fast attack aircraft.
This exercise was a complete mind shift for the crew after being so ingrained in maritime operations. Working with the Army instead of the Navy, looking for vehicles and personnel in amongst bushes instead of submarines under the waves, presented new and interesting challenges. The final day of the land battle gave the crew the best training opportunity. As the friendly forces pushed into the final objective, buildings were captured, casualties mounted, hostages were taken and an F/A18 was shot down while the P3 was right there amongst it providing a real time intelligence picture while putting together everything the crew had learnt over the past two weeks.
Exercises such as this are integral in preparing No. 5 Squadron for over-land operations, and for developing the RNZAF’s ISR capability as a whole.