Leading logistics officials from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) have toured Australia's north to identify strategically relevant bases and potential operating sites for logistical support and sustainment of forces.
Director General Logistics for RAAF Air Commodore Sandy Turner said it was essential that Defence had logistically networked and resilient bases and sites across the north of Australia to enhance force projection and improve Defence's ability to enable and support operations.
"From a logistics perspective, sustainment of northern Australia has primarily been from areas in the south, which would experience long supply-chain challenges," Air Commodore Turner said.
"Under the National Defence Strategy, there will be deepening defence engagement.
"These activities need increased sustainment and support. The USAF, and in particular, the Air Mobility Command and Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), will be providing sustainment support for their own forces and activities.
"It is important for Air Force to understand how we can link into that, what strategic and logistics support we need to provide and where the gaps are."
PACAF Director of Logistics Brigadier General Michael Zuhlsdorf said the logistical challenges were incredibly complex.
"Building a successful logistical network that supports the movement of parts, fuel or munitions throughout the north of Australia is incredibly important to ensure Australia and the United States can respond to a full range of contingencies," he said.
Brigadier General Zuhlsdorf said that visiting the potential sites was invaluable for future planning.
USAF Air Mobility Command Director of Logistics Brigadier General Anthony Babcock emphasised the strong bond between the two countries.
"We rely on our relationship with Australia - as Five Eyes partners, we share a commitment to upholding a rules-based order," Brigadier General Babcock said.
"This week has been a commitment to that. We value our relationship and our alliance with Australia, and understanding how we can be better partners here, in your country, is really important to us."
During the week-long tour, a number of potential key sites were visited including the Cairns Wharf complex and Cairns airport in Queensland, RAAF Base Darwin in the Northern Territory, and RAAF Bases Curtin and Learmonth in Western Australia.
