F35A Lightning II Visit to Karratha
The whole town was excited with news of two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft scheduled to fly over the Karratha-Pilbara Region last week.
On Friday 10 November at approximately 9:00AM, students scattered from the classroom to look up at the sky and await the much anticipated low-level fly over of two RAAF F-35A Lightning II jets. The two combat aircraft, from RAAF No. 75 Squadron set off on a flight path at supersonic speed that would see them fly directly over all Primary and High schools within the Pilbara region. It was a great demonstration of just how quickly they would cover large distances to respond to emerging threats. The excitement was over as quick as it had begun with the fly over taking all of 5-10 seconds before students returned to class.
Mrs Tittums was amazed by the spectacle but on her walk back to class, reflected on the excitement of what she had just witnessed and thought about how privileged and safe we are in Australia. She shared her fears for all people in war torn countries, who on seeing these jets overhead or coming towards them, would experience imminent fear and immense anxiety. She offered this prayer for all those suffering from war:
Gracious God, We pray for all persons suffering from war. May they be held in your loving care and protection and given the strength to endure great suffering and hardship. Transform the hearts and minds of all those who perpetuate violence and oppression. Grant wisdom to world leaders in advancing efforts toward world peace; may they not be compromised by self-interest and blind indifference. We ask all this in the name of your Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
From around 10:00AM the aircraft would return to the airport for a meet and greet with the local Karratha community on the tarmac. Mrs Potter and Mr Broad selected some Year 10 students and accompanied them out to the airport where they were escorted onto the tarmac and had the opportunity to view the aircraft and converse with the pilots. Photos outside 7 metres of the aircraft were permitted and anyone over 16 required a visitor pass to go out on the tarmac. Some students from St Paul's Primary School joined our group of students, however its believed there was representation from the majority of the schools, as no one wanted to miss out on this amazing opportunity. Here is what some of our students had to say about their experience:
"It was a really cool experience to be up close to those jets that are worth millions, and to get photos with the pilots. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learning new things about the RAAF and all the opportunities that they hold. If I had the chance I would definitely do it again." - Aidan Minogue
"The RAAF aircraft visit was unique and amazing experience. It was extremely informative with us getting up close and personal with these amazing stealth planes and being able to walk away with some incredible knowledge after talking to the pilot and some crew." - Ella Dale
"My experience with seeing the ADF F35 jets was amazing. Seeing what the pilots wear and how much everything cost (which was way more expensive than I thought it would be) by the way the hamlet is $1 million dollars. The design of the Jet is also very cool and amazing to see." - Nicholas Auger
I didn't have the opportunity to get out there that morning, but I flew out to Perth around 1:15pm and as I was boarding my plane, both aircraft took off within seconds of each other. It was incredible to see but the noise was so intense my legs went a little wobbly going up the stairs. I was quite surprised that they allowed us to board whilst they were taking off. It was quite the experience!
If you want to learn more about these Aircraft you can visit the Royal Australian Air Force website here
