USAF B-1B Lancer strategic bombers integrate with RAAF JTACs

USAF B-1B LANCER STRATEGIC BOMBERS INTEGRATE WITH RAAF JTACs

By Dario Leone
Oct 15 2017
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During the 12-hour mission the B-1B Lancer strategic bombers used simulated and inert weapons directed by Australian JTACs

On Oct. 2, 2017, two U.S. Air Force (USAF) B-1B Lancer strategic bombers based at Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam, conducted a bilateral integration training mission with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as part of Exercise Black Dagger near Townsville in North-Eastern Australia.

USAF B-1B Lancer strategic bombers integrate with RAAF JTACs

The 12-hour mission, included the use of simulated and inert weapons directed by Australian Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs).

“The Australian and U.S. air forces continue to work toward safeguarding security and stability in the region with missions focused on integrated operations,” said Brig. Gen. Stephen Williams, Pacific Air Forces Director of Air and Cyberspace Operations. “Joint exercises like these validate our ability to train and operate together seamlessly and ensures our ability to collectively respond cohesively if necessary.”

B-1B Artwork
This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. B-1B Lancer 28th FW, 34th BS Thunderbirds, EL/86-129 / 2005
USAF B-1B Lancer strategic bombers integrate with RAAF JTACs

As explained in the article U.S. Air Force bombers integrate with RAAF in Exercise Black Dagger, during the drill, the B-1 aircrews maintained contact with RAAF JTACs on the ground in order to safely and effectively deliver firepower when and where determined by the Australian team.

USAF B-1B Lancer strategic bombers integrate with RAAF JTACs

“Participating in tactical training with our American counterparts continues a legacy of combined military training activities that stretches back several decades,” said Air Vice Marshal Roberton, DSC, AM, the Royal Australian Air Force Air Commander Australia. “This exercise, and others like it, demonstrate our commitment to continuing to hone our skills as airmen.”

Photo credit: Airman 1st Class Gerald R. Willis and Tech. Sgt. Richard Ebensberger / U.S. Air Force

Artwork courtesy of AircraftProfilePrints.com


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Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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