F-35A Lightning II Fighter practice over Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Myall Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 18, 2023 An F-35A Lightning II ready to launch. Photo: RAAF/Defence. JET fighter enthusiasts around Port Stephens were hopefully awed to witness a handling display practice by a new and advanced F-35A Lightning II over the northern side of the Bay on Monday, 15 May. As a semi-regular event run by the Royal Australian Air Force base at Williamtown, this provides jet pilots with a critical and expedient chance to gain hands-on hours in the cockpit, as well as giving onlookers on the ground a welcome spectacle, especially as the display has been developed for upcoming air shows. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “Fast jet aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown use the airspace around the northern edge of Port Stephens as a designated display practice area,” a Defence spokepserson told News Of The Area. According to the Royal Australian Air Force website, RAAF Base Williamtown is one of only two that currently accommodates squadrons of the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II, which is described as, “A highly advanced multi-role, supersonic, stealth fighter which meets Australia’s requirements to defeat current and emerging threats”. The most recent display of the RAAF’s jet fighters was during the flyovers of ANZAC Day services, beheld by denizens all around Port Stephens, including Tea Gardens and Karuah. “All display practice activities are conducted within strict safety and operational guidelines, and the flying activity schedule is subject to change, including short notice cancellation, due to variables such as air traffic control, weather and other aviation considerations,” read the official announcement from Defence’s media unit. Last week, some observant locals may have witnessed an ‘evasive manoeuvres’ practice drill, involving one large RAAF aircraft and one smaller jet, occurring over the eastern horizon at Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest, on Thursday, 11 May. Members of the public can access further information regarding aircraft noise by calling 1800 033 200, or at https://www.defence.gov.au/aircraftnoise/. By Thomas O’KEEFE F-35A Lightning IIs in formation over the beaches. Photo: RAAF/Defence.
