Six RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets have arrived in Malaysia to take part in Exercise Bersama Lima, the first time Australian Super Hornets have deployed overseas since entering service in March last year.
The Australian participation in Bersama Shield 2011 comprises the six Super Hornets from 1 Squadron, plus ANZAC frigates HMA Ships Ballarat and Parramatta, and the Collins class submarine, HMAS Dechaineux. They will participate alongside defence assets from Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand the United Kingdom under the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA), exercising in various locations on the Malaysian peninsula and in and over the South China Sea over May 2-13.
“Australia maintains a close defence relationship with the founding partners of the FPDA, and exercising the Australian Super Hornets in Exercise Bersama Shield will enhance the different air combat training experience with regional defence forces,” said Commanding Officer of 1 Squadron, Wing Commander Glen Braz.
