Exercise Precision Red, the twice-yearly aircrew graduation exercise for Royal Australian Air Force C-130J aircrew members, completed its latest iteration on 7 July 2010 at RAAF Townsville, Queensland. The exercise, which includes night vision goggle operations and dirt field landings, is the capstone for Super Hercules aircrew members who are either completing the basic conversion to the aircraft or upgrading to aircraft commander. Loadmasters also go through the course. Precision Red prepares Australian aircrews and ground forces for operations in the Middle East. RAAF 37 Squadron crews have amassed 20,000 flying hours on C-130H and J-model aircraft in the Middle East since beginning a continuing deployment there in February 2003.
