operations to commence, in the form of F/A18F Super Hornet fighter jets, Hawk127 jet trainers, an AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, an E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft, a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport, C-17A Globemaster and C-130J Hercules transports, and KA-350 King Air light transports. All of these elements would liaise with WA Police and other local authorities where necessary. Lieutenant Colonel Richard Niessl, the JTF Chief of Staff, said the key to operation was planning. “There are always challenges when you deploy long distance, so it was pretty important for us to get that key planning done quickly, which enabled cohesion and integration to occur.” This high level of planning was a necessity, as each stage of the operation involved the fine coordination of air, land and sea assets. The initial strike against the immediate threat of armed enemy infantry around the NAVCOMSTA on 19 September provides an obvious example. More than 30 soldiers from 2nd Commando Regiment and the Special Operations Engineer Regiment were parachuted into the Exmouth Gulf from RAAF C-130J transports. They were supported in this role by an AP3C Orion and E-7 Wedgetail, which provided continual intelligence, and had earlier surveyed the area. After inflating and boarding their RHIBs in the water, 68
the commandos moved ashore, waiting until nightfall and the intelligence support of several F/A-18s, before rapidly eliminating the enemy with small-arms fire. The town of Exmouth itself was heavily involved in the scenario, with the simulated enemy infiltrating the town to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance operations. “We chose Exmouth primarily because of how remote it is, its proximity to the oil and gas platforms of the Find, like, share at