Late last year, it was reported that the US Navy (USN) intended to purchase one of the RAF's soon-to-be-retired Boeing E-3D Sentry AEW1s as a 'surrogate' trainer for its 16-strong fleet of Boeing E-6B Mercury command, control and communication aircraft. The sale was identified in the service's fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget proposal, which was announced on June 1 and stated: "The UK has identified a suitable and representative aircraft for the USN to procure. FY 2021 funds will be used for the procurement of one in-flight trainer, which will be dedicated to required pilot training on the ageing operational E-6B aircraft."
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