An important step within the introduction of the Royal Australian Air Force’s electronic warfare capability has commenced, with the primary pilot instructor commencing flying at the EA-18G Growler within the U . s ..
Flight Lieutenant Sean Rutledge has commenced training with the Electronic Attack Wing, US Pacific Fleet (CVWP) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Once he’s completed his training, Flight Lieutenant Rutledge may be qualified to instruct other RAAF aircrew for the 12 EA-18G Growlers the Australian Government is purchasing from the us Foreign Military Sales program.
Wing Commander Paul Jarvis, Deputy Director EA-18G Growler Transition team, believes training with the united states Navy is vital.
“Training with CVWP is very important to our ability to set up a reputable airborne electronic attack capability,” he said.
“We’ve started early as there’s a great deallots to be informed between now and after we begin flying our own EA-18Gs in 2017. The support that we have got had from the usa Navy, particularly from Captain Springett and his team here at NAS Whidbey Island was truly magnificent. They’ve really made us feel welcome as new members of the community.
“Growler is a game changer for the Royal Australian Air Force. With its unique mixture of capabilities it provides multiple options to commanders, all of which reduce the danger to supported Australian Defence Force or coalition forces whilst increasing their lethality,” Wing Commander Jarvis said.
Over the subsequent three years, six crews (comprised one pilot and one electronic warfare officer) from RAAF will learn how to fly EA-18G Growler on the US Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), with the aid of the usa Program Management Office (PMA-265) at Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland.
Flight Lieutenant Rutledge said his previous flying experience will support his transition to the EA-18G Growler. He has several multi-national exercises under his belt including Exercise Red Flag held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. He spent three years flying F-111s, and another three years flying F/A-18F Super Hornets at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.
The experienced pilot hails from Far North Queensland and travelled to the usa along with his wife and family dog.
“It’s a good spot with numerous outdoor activities,” he said. “But I’ll ought to ‘transition’ from surfing to snow skiing to slot in with the very welcoming people here within the northwest.”
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