DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 171/09
Friday, 22 May 2009
RAAF SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EXERCISE IN
MALAYSIA
Royal Australian Air Force personnel and aircraft have arrived in Malaysia to
participate in Exercise Bersama Shield 2009.
The exercise aims to practice the interoperability of air, ground and naval forces under
the auspices of the Five Power Defence Arrangements – involving Australia,
Malaysia, Singapore, United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Eight F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter aircraft from 75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal
and approximately 50 personnel will work from the Royal Malaysian Air Force
(RMAF) Base Butterworth for the duration of the exercise.
An Adelaide-based Air Force AP-3C Orion crew has deployed from RAAF
Edinburgh to participate in the exercise. The Orion will be used for surveillance, anti-
surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and strike direction.
Bersama Shield 2009 is being conducted over Peninsula Malaysia and South China
Sea until the 29th May.
AP-3C Orion Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Baz Laing said that the AP-
3C Orion is arguably the world’s most capable maritime patrol aircraft.
“Exercise Bersama Shield 09 is an excellent opportunity to develop and confirm our
traditional maritime high-end war fighting skills, whilst practicing our interoperability
with four other nations,” Squadron Leader Laing said.
F/A-18 Detachment Commander, Wing Commander Robert Chipman said exercises
such as Bersama Shield provide excellent training opportunities.
“It allows the Royal Australian Air Force to test and practice deployment capabilities
so that it can operate away from its home base,” said Wing Commander Chipman.
A RAAF C-17A Globemaster provided strategic airlift, transporting Air Force
personnel and equipment to Malaysia.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
