Keep your eyes on the sky this morning as two F-35A Lightning II jets fly over Russell offices between 10:30 am and 10:45 am at a height no lower than 150 metres.
The two military aircraft will approach from the south and head over Russell at a speed of between 650 and 850 km/h.
The flypast is part of a ceremony to mark the change of command of the ADF’s Joint Capabilities Group from Air Marshal Warren McDonald to Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead.
In June, Air Marshal McDonald was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service in responsible positions as Deputy Chief of Air Force and Chief of Joint Capabilities, while Vice Admiral Mead was advanced to Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of his “distinguished service to the Royal Australian Navy in senior management and command roles”.
The Air Force now has 30 F-35A Lightning II aircraft in Australia of the planned 72-strong fleet. The aircraft are based at No 3 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown, north of Newcastle.