The Royal Australian Air Force has deployed over 100 personnel and six aircraft from RAAF Base Amberley to participate in bilateral fighter exercises with Thailand and Indonesia, however they're helping change lives in the region in a different way as part of Exercise Thai Boomerang.
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As well as Exercise Elang AUSINDO, the two operations are working to increase interoperability with our regional partners, as well as strengthening the bonds between the nations.
“The focus of regional exercises like Thai Boomerang and Elang AUSINDO is integration and interoperability,” Group Captain Stephen Chappell said.
“Not only are we learning from our partners about how we can best operate with each other, we’re continuing to strengthen the positive relationship we have with our neighbours.
“Our personnel have the opportunity to integrate in a partnered environment while building both professional and personal networks that will enhance and strengthen our partnerships into the future.
“These types of exercises are also important for the development of our people. It is an opportunity to challenge the team in an unfamiliar and often demanding environment. As the exercises progress we will throw more and more complex scenarios at the team to see how they operate when they are outside their comfort zone.”
Australia has been participating in Thai Boomerang since 1992 and Elang AUSINDO since 1995.
However, it's not just in the cockpit where the RAAF is strengthening bonds, with a recent visit from the Air Force to Ang Huai Yang School proving a highlight, as well as allowing the RAAF to contribute to the school's new playground.
Please scroll through the image above for a look at the work being done as part of Exercise Thai Boomerang.