RAF Voyager and A400M Atlas work together on Exercise Mobility Guardian

The Royal Air Force (RAF) dispatched a Voyager aircraft to the western Pacific as part of Exercise Mobility Guardian 23.

Taking on the role as a Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft, the plane was operated by three crews from 10 and 101 Squadron initially deployed to Eielson Airbase in Alaska.

The crew later rendezvoused with an RAF Brize Norton based A400M Atlas, over northern Alaska before taking part in the exercise in Gaum.

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The Royal Air Force Detachment Commander for the exercise, Wing Commander Phillip Foster said: "This element of the exercise from a UK and RAF perspective is extremely important and a privilege to be part of.

"As a team, it gives us an opportunity to broaden our partnership with the JSDF (Japan Self-Defense Forces) by growing a relationship that is significant to the intent of the UK in this strategically important region.

"We are here to contribute to the promotion of peace and stability whilst showcasing our outstanding medical care team's capabilities and their ability to offer support and assistance that could be of value to the JSDF in crisis."

Upon arriving at the United States Anderson Air Force Base, RAF personnel were deployed on a tactical Air-to-Air Refuelling task.

During the first week, the RAF worked with US Navy F/A-18s, EA-18s, US Marine Corps F-35Bs and French Air and Space Force Rafales units.

For the second week, the Voyager was deployed to Japan to conduct simulated Strategic Aero Medical Evacuation drills in a Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response scenario.

RAF Voyager detachment commander on the exercise, Squadron Leader Mike Willers said: "This is an extremely important exercise for the Voyager Force as it is rare for us to be able to exercise the many roles the aircraft can carry out due to the high operational tempo of the Force. 

"The training benefit to the Voyager Force personnel deployed on the exercise is therefore vital."

The two-week exercise will end on the 21 July.