Exercise High Sierra 23-1 (HS23-1) is a No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) training exercise, with the squadron operating out of RAAF Base Townsville and into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area over the period 19 June to 06 July 2023.
The exercise is the final component of the F-35A Lightning II Operational Conversion Course.
The exercise will graduate Fast Jet Pilots capable of executing air combat operations from a forward operating base.
The exercise exposes the squadron to large force employment scenarios and hones the preparation and delivery of high explosive ordnance into the training range.
Supporting the exercise are No. 2 Squadron operating the E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control platform, No. 76 Squadron operating Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter aircraft, and KC-30A air-to-air refuelling aircraft from No. 33 Squadron.
This is the first time No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit has held the exercise at RAAF Base Townsville using the F-35A Lightning II.
July 7, 2023
Australian Department of Defence