The return of the Orions from the MEAO: Enhanced RAN/RAAF training benefits or Operation Resolute workhorses

摘要

The AP-3C Orion (P3) aircraft is Australia's primary maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). For almost ten years, two were serving in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) conducting overland and maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. There was, however, a long held belief that Australia's MPA forces, attached to Operation Slipper (Global War on Terrorism), would soon be returned to Australia. In early 2010, the P3s were removed from Operation Catalyst (Stabilisation of Iraq) and re-focused their efforts on Anti-Piracy operations off the Horn of Africa and ISR operations over Afghanistan. This changed operational focus may have enhanced the belief that their tasking for the initial deployment to the MEAO was complete and that they would soon return to Australia.