RAAF contingent arrives in Malaysia for Exercise Bersama Lima

Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A/B Hornets and personnel from Number 3 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown, have arrived in Malaysia to join defence forces from Malaysia, NZ, Singapore and the UK for Exercise Bersama Lima 2013.
 
The two-week international exercise, which commences on 7 November, will see air, ground and naval assets from participating nations exercising in various locations over the Malaysian Peninsula and South China Sea.

Exercise Bersama Lima promotes a shared understanding of air and maritime operations, the protection of the marine environment and disaster relief.
 
For the first time in Malaysia, the RAAF will be supporting the exercise with a full complement of integrated air support, including the E-7A Wedgetail, AP-3C Orion, KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport and a KA350 King Air.
 
Commanding Officer of Number 3 Squadron, Wing Commander Tim Alsop, said “This is a very complex exercise for the participating nations, due mainly to the level of activity taking place throughout the Malaysian Peninsula and Singapore during the activity.”

“The exercise starts with five days of Force Integration Training, where we learn how each others’ aircraft and aircrew work, and gain an understanding of the airspace and terrain.
 
“This year we have brought an integrated fighting package, including the KC-30A MRTT to keep us in the fight longer, and the E-7A Wedgetail that will provide greatly increased battlespace awareness. This is the first time we have had this level of support on a Malaysian deployment,” Wing Commander Alsop said.
 
The Orion and King Air will also participate, as well as RAAF air and ground crews who will train alongside Australia’s regional partners and build on existing relationships.
 
“We always look forward to deploying to Malaysia and Singapore; they are fantastic hosts and great friends. We learn so much from the unique training opportunities presented here, some of which are not available back in Australia,” Wing Commander Tim Alsop said.
 
Exercise Bersama Lima is part of the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA). The exercise will conclude on 21 November.