13 November 2023
Returning to the Republic of Korea’s skies, 33 Squadron delivered essential refuelling support for Exercise Vigilant Defense.
The exercise ran from October 30 to November 3, with a 33 Squadron KC-30A multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) flying its missions from Gimhae Air Base, Korea.
In the air, the KC-30A refuelled aircraft from the US Pacific Air Forces and US Marine Corps, including F-16Cs, F-35B Lightning IIs, and F/A-18C and D Hornets.
On the ground, RAAF personnel worked alongside Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) counterparts who operate the KC-330 Cygnus MRTT – a very similar tanker to the RAAF’s own KC-30A.
It’s the second year running that RAAF KC-30A crews have participated in the exercise, and builds on past cooperation with the ROKAF’s tanker community.
Exercise Vigilant Defense is a large-force employment exercise providing essential readiness training for the Republic of Korea and the US alike.
The force-enabling capability that 33 Squadron provides with the KC-30A is crucial, and working with foreign forces enhances the RAAF’s own air mobility capability and operational readiness.
Flight Lieutenant Dan Ellick, a KC-30A captain at the exercise, said the exercise strengthened the relationship that RAAF shared with participating air forces.
“Engaging in exercises like Vigilant Defense allows air mobility aviators to interact with each other, understand each other’s practices, and further build on their own capability,” Flight Lieutenant Ellick said.
Squadron Leader Anna Lovatt led the 33 Squadron detachment for the exercise.
“Participating in exercises like Vigilant Defense ensures RAAF aviators are prepared to support high-tempo flying operations required to secure a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Squadron Leader Lovatt said.
“Continued engagement with other air forces is an important part of ensuring 33 Squadron and the KC-30A maintains operational preparedness.”
