Exercise High Sierra 2010.

Exercise High Sierra 2010
Exercise High Sierra conducted from 14 June to 2 July represents the last three weeks of the F/A-18 operational conversion course, which converts fighter pilots from the Hawk Mk127 Lead-in-fighter aircraft to the F/A-18 Hornet.

Eight pilots from No. 2 Operational Conversion Squadron, part of the RAAF’s Air Combat Group at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales, are put through their paces during the Exercise prior to graduation. More than 150 Air Force personnel, F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets, PC9 forward air control support aircraft and Mk127 Hawk lead-in fighters will be at RAAF Base Townsville supporting the Exercise.

An F/A-18 Hornet takes off for a sortie during Exercise High Sierra as another F/A-18 Hornet taxis to the runway for its turn to head for the skies.

An F/A-18 Hornet attached to 2 Operational Conversion Unit taxis toward the runway as a PC9 Forward Air Control aircraft takes to the skies for a mission during Exercise High Sierra.

An F/A-18 Hornet from 2 Operational Conversion Unit prepares to leave the ordinance loading area to conduct a mission during Exercise High Sierra.