'Young Tigers' keep Aussies flying down under

  • Published
  • By Capt. Bryan Lewis
  • Talisman Saber Public Affairs
RAAF DARWIN, Australia --  The Northern Australian Outback presents many dangers, including six of the most venomous snakes in the world, saltwater crocodiles, and multiple poisonous insects. However, it is the Young Tigers, Eagles and Hornets in Australia's skies that are garnering the most attention lately.

High above the threats of the Outback, U.S. Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force fighter aircraft are conducting a mock air war during an exercise here designed to strengthen interoperability between the two forces.

However, without the continued support of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, the fighters would be spending more time on the ground and less time training during Exercise Talisman Saber 2009. The squadron's nickname is the Young Tigers.

"We're just one piece of the puzzle," said Captain Luke Moch, a pilot with 909 ARS. "We've been doing this for many years. This is our bread and butter, and we continue training to make it easier for our receivers."

That puzzle includes F-15 Eagles from Kadena, C-17 Globemaster IIIs from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and RAAF F/A-18 Hornets, all working together to train both countries' air forces in planning and conducting combined air operations.

Flying seven to eight refueling sorties a day, the Young Tigers are joined by RAAF air refueling operators who are gaining more than just flying time with the U.S. boom operators.

"[The U.S. Airmen] have been fantastic and treated us like one of their own," said Warrant Officer Darrell Bent, RAAF air refueling operator. "We wanted to see a whole bunch of receivers. It's the next best thing to being in the boom pod."

Before, during and after the flight, the RAAF operators can be seen assisting in many of the required procedures. In fact, Warrant Officer Bent said the four Aussie operators completed their training with KC-135s in the United States and appreciate the opportunity to help since they are still waiting on the delivery of their KC-30As.

Finishing their training just months ago, all RAAF operators remain qualified, and their familiarity with the jet has been an asset to those sitting in the boom pod.

"It is the first time most of us have actually refueled with Australians," said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Harwood, 909th ARS instructor boom operator. "It's been a huge benefit having them with us. It has been great having another crew member aboard who can add to great aircrew resource management."

With boom operators working with their Australian counterparts in the boom pod and pilots flying alongside RAAF aircraft, Exercise Talisman Saber continues to provide valuable training that will outlast its July 25 end date.

"They could refuel us one day," said Captain Moch. "This is why we practice all the techniques and procedures."

Lieutenant Colonel Glen Lehman, 909th ARS commander, added, "Talisman Sabre is an awesome opportunity for 909 ARS personnel to get some great training and exposure to joint and coalition operations. Our folks are gaining an education in operating from a different airfield in a deployed environment and are exploring innovative ways to squeeze all the fuel out of the tanker so our receiver brethren - both joint and coalition - can remain airborne for the maximum amount of time and offer an increased combat capability to the Joint Force Air Component Commander and Joint Forces Commander. This exercise was the primary exercise for the 909th during 2009 and we sent only our sharpest and most capable aircrew and staff to Talisman Sabre."