Twenty-one nations. One hundred five aircraft. More than 3,500 personnel.
Behind the aircraft filling the skies over Northern Australia during Exercise Pitch Black 26 was a network of people, equipment and logistics – and Canadian Armed Forces personnel were part of that effort.
Over seven weeks this summer, CAF personnel deployed on Operation Horizon supported Exercise Pitch Black, a large-scale multinational air exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The exercise was designed to develop partnerships and enhance the ability of participating forces to operate together in a contested environment.
For Canada, the exercise demonstrated effective air operations rely on much more than aircraft and aircrew. 14 Wing Greenwood deployed 23 members, the majority from 14 Mission Support Squadron: cooks, traffic technicians, mobile support equipment operators and material management technicians. They were joined by four personnel from the Deputy Wing Commander branch: a human resources administrator, financial services administrator, image technician and public affairs officer. Additional cooks, traffic technicians and MSE operators from across the CAF joined the contingent, along with medical personnel and gender advisors, bringing the main body to 37 personnel embedded within RAAF Base Darwin operations. At the height of the exercise, the Canadian presence grew to approximately 65 personnel, including air battle managers and aerospace control operators. The CAF contingent also included observers in tactical airlift, force protection, air-to-air refuelling and F-35 operations.
The scale of the exercise highlighted just how much teamwork was required to keep aircraft flying. Participating forces at RAAF Darwin consumed 7.1 million litres of fuel, moved more than one million pounds of cargo and prepared 166,440 meals. CAF personnel contributed directly to that effort, providing aircraft refuelling, air movements and food services; while gaining valuable experience working in a high-tempo, multinational environment and strengthening relationships with Australian and other partner forces.
The Canadian team spent a week at RAAF Base Tindal, working with No. 75 Squadron, before moving to RAAF Base Darwin for the final week of the exercise and integrating with No. 77 Squadron.
CAF participation in Pitch Black also extended beyond the flight line and base operations. Approximately 25,500 visitors attended the RAAF Darwin Open Day, where Canadian personnel had an opportunity to connect with the local community. Their hockey-shooting booth was a big hit, giving visitors the chance to test their skills and take home an RCAF-branded puck and other souvenirs.
