Page 42 - AAPT August 19

Defence
The initial through life support (TLS) arrangement with
Boeing and Airbus was signed in 2015 and is due to expire
in October 2020, so this MoU positions the two companies
for a possible extension to that arrangement beyond that
timeframe once the capability has bedded down.
Courtesy ADBR

Indo Pacific Endeavour a success

A Joint Task Force consisting of up to four ships, maritime
patrol aircraft and more than 1,200 personnel from the
Australian Defence Force deployed on Indo-Pacific
Endeavour 2019, a series of key engagement activities with
Australia’s regional neighbours.
Running from March to May, Indo-Pacific Endeavour
2019 was geared towards enhancing interoperability with
Australia’s key regional partners, including Sri Lanka, India,
Air Marshal Leo Davies (right), hands over command of the RAAF Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia.
to Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld at a ceremony in Canberra. CPL In the third iteration of the activity, Indo-Pacific Endeavour
Shannon McCarthy. 2019 was a key part of Australia’s ongoing efforts to re-
affirm positive relationships with other militaries through joint
New Chief in the Pilot’s Seat practical activities.
HMAS Canberra, a Canberra-Class Landing Helicopter
Outgoing Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies handed Dock, was the flagship of the joint taskforce, able to project
command of the Royal Australian Air Force to Air Marshal embarked personnel, vehicles and aircraft ashore, while
Mel Hupfeld during a ceremonial parade in Canberra on 3 providing an effective hub for control of a variety of military
July 2019. tasks.
The parade included Australia’s Federation Guard, the Air
Canberra was joined in the Joint Task Force by HMA Ships
Force Band, a didgeridoo performance, and a flypast featuring Success, Newcastle and Parramatta, and embarked MH-60R
aircraft introduced during Air Marshal Davies’ tenure as Chief maritime combat helicopters and MRH-90 maritime support
of Air Force. Air Marshal Davies retired after a distinguished helicopters. A Royal Australian Air Force P8-A Poseidon
40-year Air Force career.
maritime patrol aircraft joined the Joint Task Force during
Boeing & Airbus sign P-8A sustainment several key regional visits.
Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2019 also involved personnel from
extension the Australian Army’s 2RAR and 3RAR, the Australian Army
Boeing Defence Australia and Airbus Australia Pacific have Band, the Royal Australian Air Force and Defence Civilians.
signed a memorandum of understanding to extend the two
companies’ arrangement on the sustainment of the RAAF’s
fleet of 12 P-8A Poseidons beyond the initial transition into
service.

Sustainment of the RAAF’s P-8A Poseidon fleet was agreed to A Tiger ARH Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter prepares for
by Boeing Defence Australia and Airbus Australia Pacific. CPL take-off on board HMAS Canberra during Indo-Pacific Endeavour
Brenton Kwaterski. 2019. CPL Kylie Gibson.

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