RAAF Base Amberley will conduct heightened military flying operations associated with Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 (TS21) from 12 July until 2 August.
TS21 is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and United States (US) military.
It is designed to test the respective forces in planning and conducting Combined and Joint Task Force operations and improve the combat readiness and interoperability between Australian and US forces.
The exercise will commence on 14 July with an opening ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley, with major events planned in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and the Townsville region. The exercise will conclude on 31 July.
Aircraft will operate weekdays only, during routine flying hours with some late evening and early morning flying activity.
The exercise flying schedule will be made available at https://www.airforce.gov.au/operations/flying-operations/flying-activity
Aircraft including F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, C-17A Globemaster III, and KC-30A MRTT will operate from RAAF Base Amberley as part of the exercise.
An Australian Army Black Hawk Helicopter from 6th Aviation Regiment moves an all-terrain vehicle from 2nd Commando Regiment into the training area during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 in Townsville. Image: Defence
Safety, noise management and the environment are considered in the planning and conduct of Defence flying activities.
Participating squadrons will operate with a view to minimising the impact on the Ipswich communities.
All Australian Defence Force personnel are required to adhere to state and territory government travel restrictions and health advice.
A range of COVID-19 risk mitigation measures will also be in place.
Occurring every two years, TS21 is the ninth iteration of the exercise and consists of a Field Training Exercise incorporating force preparation (logistic) activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvre, urban operations, air combat and maritime operations.