09/19/2017: The E-7A Wedgetail as part of the Air Task Group (ATG) recently completed an operational level clearance with a Royal Netherlands Air Force KDC-10 Multi-Role Tanker Transport while flying in support of Operation OKRA.
Operational clearance used when short notice clearance is required for critical opertational requirments.
The Wedgetail is cleared to refuel with the KC-10 Extender which is a similar airframe.
The ATG is deployed on Operation OKRA and is operating at the request of the Iraqi Government within a US-led global coalition assembled to disrupt and degrade Daesh in the Middle East Region (MER).
The ATG comprises six RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft, an E-7A Wedgetail airborne command and control aircraft, and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft.
Additionally, the ATG has personnel working in the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, and embedded with the ‘Kingpin’ US tactical Command and Control Unit.
The ATG is directly supported by elements of Operation ACCORDION including the Theatre Communications Group, Air Mobility Task Group, and the Expeditionary Airbase Operations Unit, whose mission is to provide airbase and aviation operational support to sustain air operations in the MER. There are up to 350 personnel deployed, at any one time, as part of, or in direct support of the ATG.
Credit: Department of Defence, Australia
August 25, 2017