RAAF C-130J crews train at MHAFB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alaysia Berry
  • 366th Fighter Wing
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Royal Australian Air Force Super Hercules aircrew members visited here Oct. 24 - Nov. 1, 2018, in order to improve their operational aerial training in Idaho’s unique environment.

For members of the RAAF, choosing Mountain Home for training is a welcomed contrast to participating in large-scale exercises such as Red Flag, where those type of training opportunities may have different objectives.

"At Saylor Creek Range we have 100 percent control over our exercises and scenarios," said Flight Lieutenant Cseh, RAAF C-130J Super Hercules detachment commander. "Here, the simulated threats can be spread out and better controlled."

While here, they conducted high density altitude and radar warning receiver training, and tested joint-precision aerial-delivery systems at Saylor Creek Range.

"Mountain Home Air Force Base has a really good mix of terrain and various airfields that we can use," said Flight Lieutenant Maliphant, RAAF aircraft captain. "The Range complex is nothing like we have in Australia. When you combine the mountains, range complex, and the short distance they are from the base it's the perfect opportunity to meet our training objectives in a convenient location."

Both Cseh and Maliphant agreed that nurturing relationships between allies is very important.

"One important aspect of my job is to be able to help groups like the Australians and make it easier for them to complete their missions," said Master Sgt. Justin Summers, 266th Range Squadron work center supervisor. "It's incredibly important when they show up that we find out what they need so that we can give that to them."

Cseh said the relationship between the U.S. and Australia is very important one, and being able to use a U.S. range helps them exercise interoperability and nurture relationships.

"We want to keep coming back to Mountain Home every year,” Cseh said. “The range facilities here are fantastic and we get looked after very well. We are grateful for all the assistance that Lt. Col. Jay Labrum, chief of 266th range squadron and his team provided us.”