U.S. Air Force demonstrates allied airpower during Exercise Pitch Black Flying Display 2026

DVIDS – News – U.S. Air Force demonstrates allied airpower during <a href="https://healthylife7.com/usar-deputy-commanding-general-visits-warrior-exercise-2026/” title=”USAR Deputy Commanding General Visits Warrior Exercise 2026″>Exercise Pitch Black Flying Display 2026

U.S. Air Force demonstrates allied airpower during Exercise Pitch Black Flying Display 2026

AUSTRALIA

07.24.2026

Story by Tech. Sgt. Peter Reft 

Pacific Air Forces

U.S. Air Force demonstrates allied airpower during Exercise Pitch Black Flying Display 2026
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More than 24,000 spectators flocked to Darwin’s Mindil Beach as multi-national military aircraft from Exercise Pitch Black demonstrated coalition airpower against the backdrop of a Northern Territory sunset during a public flying display July 23, 2026

“Exercise Pitch Black is our largest international exercise with 21 nations from around the world,” said Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Air Commodore Micka Gray, Head of Air Shows

“We get great community support from the locals and visitors, and we want them to understand what we do and why we do it. So, as part of the Exercise, we conduct two community engagement events – the Mindil Beach Flying Display and the Open Day at the RAAF Base. These events showcase all the aircraft and personnel from all the nations participating in Exercise Pitch Black.”

The public events highlighted the international partnerships at the center of Exercise Pitch Black, where participating forces train to operate together, improve readiness and strengthen the network of relationships that supports regional security and stability

“Participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Capt. Sean Liew, KC-135 Stratotanker instructor pilot assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) at Kadena Air Base, Japan. “After nearly a year of deliberate planning, coordination, and mission preparation, it is immensely gratifying to see months of effort culminate in three weeks of complex, multinational execution.”

The 909th ARS brings strategic air refueling support to U.S. allies and partners who may share air space during military operations

“We conduct dynamic refueling in support of allied and partner forces, integrating seamlessly with a wide range of platforms that makes us a force multiplier in any scenario,” said Liew. “As the sole KC-135 operators in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, our team provides unique perspectives and operating procedures to the exercise that work to strengthen interoperability.”

In addition to the KC-135, two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, showcased 5th-generation fighter integration with F-35s from Australia and Japan

With multi-national interoperability on full display, more than 35 aircraft flew across the Mindil Beach horizon with mere minutes between each sortie

“The precision and synchronization required for the aerial demonstration closely mirror the demands of our daily flying operations: being in the right place, at the right time, and fully prepared to execute,” said Liew

“It’s just another element to the exercise,” said Gray. “The missions are tasked just like the normal training missions, and this one just happens to be a public event.”

Liew explained how the large exercise and unique conditions in Northern Australia give the teams a chance to hone their skills in a complex mission environment

“Every mission challenges us to innovate and adapt while reinforcing the trust and relationships that are essential to collective security in the Pacific Theater,” said Liew

With one of the largest military training airspaces, hospitality from Northern Territory hosts, and RAAF Base Darwin’s capacity to host large-scale, multi-national training events, the U.S. Air Force continues its biennial participation in Exercise Pitch Black strengthening coalition readiness and building international community support

“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our Royal Australian Air Force hosts for their outstanding hospitality and steadfast partnership throughout the exercise,” said Liew. “Their professionalism and commitment have been instrumental to the success of this multinational effort.”

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