Obama to visit Australia

[Gareth Forwood]

From SMH (http://www.smh.com.au/world/us-president-barack-obama-to-visit-australia-20100202-n95u.html)

Barack Obama will visit Australia in March.

The White House announced early today that the US President would add Australia to his trip to Indonesia and the Pacific island of Guam.

"This trip is an important part of the President's continued effort to broaden and strengthen the partnerships that are necessary to advance our security and prosperity," press secretary Robert Gibbs told Washington media.

He said the visit to Australia would commemorate the 70th anniversary of the US-Australia alliance during which Mr Obama is expected to discuss with Kevin Rudd a range of issues including global economic recovery, climate change and green energy, nuclear non-proliferation and Afghanistan.

Mr Gibbs said the President was "looking forward to commemorating that milestone" and would be alert to ways that the two nations could build on their strong relationship.

The President will be accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama.

En route to Indonesia, the couple will visit Guam, where the US has a major military presence.

In Jakarta, where Mr Obama lived as a boy with his mother and step-father in the early 1970s, he is expected to formally launch the US-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership.

Exact dates are being finalised but the trip will occur in the second half of March, according to Mr Gibbs.

Prime Minister Rudd extended an invitation to Mr Obama to visit Australia when the two men met in Washington late last year.

Mr Rudd had called on the President after attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad.

This morning, Mr Rudd's office issued a statement welcoming Mr Obama's visit.

"President Obama will be a most welcome guest in Australia on his first official visit," it said.

"Australia’s relationship with the United States of America is our most important international partnership.

"We are allies, we are trading partners, and we cooperate on the international challenges confronting all nations

"Our formal military alliance, the ANZUS Treaty, has been in force for nearly 60 years.

"The president’s visit will underline the strength and breadth of the relationship."

Not happy about it being the latter half of the month, I head to USA on March 15...

[Montague S]

I am sure the Obama family had you in mind when making their travel plans, Gareth. ;)

[Gareth Forwood]

It's just plain selfish, I tell you :p Oh well, at least I saw AF1 when Bush came out...

[NickN]

I haven't had the pleasure of photographing Air Force One yet so I am really looking forward to this visit.

[Andrew M]

I'll head to SYD or MEL or CBR or anywhere that AF1 will be.

I wonder what security will be like for geeks like us trying to get photos.

Hmmmmmmmmm will be interesting

[Kurt A]

Common sense, maturity, the 3 metre rule and anything else security personnel may ask of you, might serve you well...
Then again, don't be surprised if access to certain areas close to where the A/C is parked become off-limits.

APEC visit by Bush in 07:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/af1_1.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/af1_3.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/af1_6.jpg

[Nigel C]

With any luck, President Obama will skip Sydney altogether.

[Darren Butterworth]

Guys - With about two weeks to go, has anyone got any further details? Is he still coming in on 23/3?

Darren

[Nigel C]

Presidential visits = security crazy

[Gerald A]

FOUR of the RAAF's new Super Hornet fighters, just off the assembly line at the Boeing factory in St Louis, will escort Air Force One on the flight from the US to Canberra when Barack Obama visits this month.



http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/raafs-super-hornets-locked-in-for-escort-duty-for-obama-visit/story-e6frg8yo-1225837132059

[Bob C]

Hi Gerald

Did I read somewhere that Obama's visit has been cancelled as he wants to remain in the US to work on his Health policy ?

And I never say never, and there are plenty of others on this Board more knowledgeable and "in the know" than me, but I think it highly improbable and just coincidence that Obama's arrival and the F/A18Fs were due on the same
day. And someone other than Steve Creedy, the "Australian's " respected aviation correspondent wrote that piece.

So perhaps the "Australian's" reporter, Mark Dodd, looked at the facts and worked backwards to give himself a story ?

I really don't think that the US would trust anyone except its own forces to escort the President. The US is loathe to pass on software secrets to Australia and other Allies so why would they trust us with the most powerful man on earth ?

And what is the point if the F/A18Fs are not armed ? Do they ram airborne threats "kamikaze" style if they're not armed ? And where would threats come from over the vast Pacific ocean ? The F/A18Fs are brand new aircraft with only a few hours flying time so surely the RAAF pilots are heavily involved in conversion training and preparing for the delivery flight rather than weapons training. And would any of our pilots have been cleared to fire air to air weapons from the Fs ?

I don't recall any other US Presidents being escorted by the RAAF or for that matter, the USAF.

Perhaps I'm wrong. Be interesting to see what transpires whenever Obama visits.

[Stephen B]

When GW was here back in '05 he was escorted accorss Australia to Canberra by armed RAAF F/A-18 Hornets, which maintaied an armed CAP over the ACT the entire time GW was here.

That said though, security on the ground was almost non existant. The Police stopped anyone from gathering directly inline with either end of the runway, but aside from that there was simply no visible security. There was a massive crowd litterally right up against the fence right around the airport photographing everything that moved. I got some really good photos of both AF1 & AF2, infact the pilot of the second one to take off even turned off the taxi lights when the aircraft was pointing straight at us as it was early evening and the lights were a bit bright for photos.

And as far as software secrets go, the RAAF has a special steel canopy they fit to any RAAF hornets going to the US for repairs so that the US can't light up the systms and see what we've got!

[Montague S]

FOUR of the RAAF's new Super Hornet fighters, just off the assembly line at the Boeing factory in St Louis, will escort Air Force One on the flight from the US to Canberra when Barack Obama visits this month.

how can they be locked in from US to Canberra when Australia isn't the first port of call on his tour?

[Bob C]

Thanks Stephen

I wasn't aware that GW was escorted across Australia to Canberra by F/A18s. I wonder where the escort started ? And I was also unaware that the RAAF maintained an armed CAP over Canberra the entire time GW was here. I presume that would have extended to Sydney when he visited that city and must have been a pretty expensive exercise for the RAAF.

In regards to software, I was referring to other aircraft such as the F35s and F22s. And if the RAAF is so secretive about what our F/A18s have , I wonder how the Hornet Upgrade program is undertaken ?

Hi Monty - long time no hear - I did read that Obama was calling into NZ on the way here!

Very dull and boring in sleepy, dry as a bone Perth (NO rain since November).

[Andrew McLaughlin]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/raafs-super-hornets-locked-in-for-escort-duty-for-obama-visit/story-e6frg8yo-1225837132059

Absolute total crap - looks like a sub-editor at The Oz got his grubby little hands all over this and totally cocked it up.

The Supers will...

a) be unarmed for the delivery flight
b) not able to perform any kind of combat duty until they declare IOC late next year and
c) be at the end of a four day delivery flight!

I dunno about escorting AF1 in the air, but certainly look for classic Hornets to be on alert 5 or airborne over CBR at certain times.

And as far as software secrets go, the RAAF has a special steel canopy they fit to any RAAF hornets going to the US for repairs so that the US can't light up the systms and see what we've got!

Huh?:confused:

[Geoff W]

Deleted info already in first line of post

[Mick.B]

Couldnt agree more Andrew. Have you got any idea of the date they will arrive and place. Want to go up to be there.

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Have you got any idea of the date they will arrive and place

Current plan is they'll transit AKL on March 22nd, arrive CBR on the 23rd (dunno what times yet), and arrive early arvo on the 24th at AMB from what I understand.

We'll have a photographer on the Omega tanker bringing them back by the way, so look for some cracker shots online and in the next mag!

[Darren Butterworth]

Guys - do we know if he's coming to Sydney or just Canberra?

[Tony G]

Current plan is they'll transit AKL on March 22nd, arrive CBR on the 23rd (dunno what times yet), and arrive early arvo on the 24th at AMB from what I understand.

We'll have a photographer on the Omega tanker bringing them back by the way, so look for some cracker shots online and in the next mag!

Looking forward to the photos. Last edition had some fantastic shots of the Airbus on Ice ( sounds like a musical:rolleyes:)

[Mick.B]

Current plan is they'll transit AKL on March 22nd, arrive CBR on the 23rd (dunno what times yet), and arrive early arvo on the 24th at AMB from what I understand.

Thanks Mate

[Bob C]

Thanks for the confirmation about the delivery flight Andrew.

But I wonder why they are stopping in Auckland along the way ?

[Andrew McLaughlin]

But I wonder why they are stopping in Auckland along the way ?

I'm guessing so they can better predict their TOT and be fresher for CBR. For those in CBR, I hear there'll be a fly past of all five jets down the lake past Pollie Palace and Russell Hill.

[Charlie Carter]

So they're not coming to Sydney?

[Bob C]

It would appear not Charlie unless they did a fly over of some sort and it's probably not necessary anyway.

Come to think of it, neither is the visit to Canberra, unless of course the Government wants to gain political mileage out of the F/A18Fs' arrival.

But we should remember that it was the previous Liberal Government that ordered the Fs and the then Opposition opposed the deal. And it would appear that this purchase has proceeded without any dramas, on time, under budget and we're getting a pretty decent combat proven aircraft, so the cynic in me feels that there must be political mileage to be gained.

Perhaps a big lesson to be learned for future acquisitions ?

[Montague S]

Hi Monty - long time no hear - I did read that Obama was calling into NZ on the way here!

Very dull and boring in sleepy, dry as a bone Perth (NO rain since November).


I was under the impression that Indonesia was the first port of call on this tour?!

plenty of rain and hail over here, bit cold too!

[Andrew P]

Guam is before Indonesia

[Bob C]

Hi guys

I think we're at 6s and 7s over this and getting very confused and in knots.

1). It would appear that Obama's tour MAY have been cancelled so that he can remain in the US to work on his Health policy.

2). Andrew McL has dismissed the "Australian's" report about a possible escort by RAAF F/A18Fs and confirms what I thought.

3). The F/A18Fs are transitting through Auckland before heading on to Canberra as Andrew suggested.

4). Even if Obama's tour does proceed in a few weeks, others have said he is visiting Indonesia first before Australia.

5). Let's now concentrate on the F/A18F delivery flight.

[William Bradley]

hey there guys, good to hear the F18s may be coming through Auckland, if this was the case then would the Omega tanker come with them to AKL? would they even need to be refuled on a trans-tasman hop?

Any info would be appreciated

Cheers

[Steve Jones]

According to the Press, the visit is delayed 3 days and may be shortened. It will be interesting to see if this changes the Australian itinerary and how this might impact the FA-18Fs.

[Mick.B]

It will have 100% 0 impact. The Super Hornets have nothing to do with his visit. Full stop.

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Well...the Supers were coming to CBR to coincide with Obama's visit so he could ceremonially hand over the keys. Now that he's going to be three days later, there may be no need for them to come to CBR...

[Kim F]

The Canberra ADF top brass are very interested in seeing what they got for their cash, Obama or no Obama!

[Montague S]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/united-states-president-barack-obamas-36-hour-visit-confirmed/story-e6frf7l6-1225841197488

[Nigel C]

Awesome, Obama won't be visiting Sydney. That's one big headache gone that the nations capital can have!:D

[Tony G]

ah muddleducks....Not sure on your role Nigel, but I would have been quite excited to see Air Force 1 again along with the support aircraft.

[NeilP]

Me too Tony. For those of us relatively new to aviation, it would have been a very exciting experience...

I'm sure Nigel has his reasons...

NeilP

[Nigel C]

Look, Air Force 1 is fun for all the souvenirs you can buy from the Marines who guard the support helicopter and all, but it's the biggest security overkill and all round unnecessary hassle.
The Chinese certainly didn't have the same carry on when they sent their Premier out here...(although the flag waving brigade was a nice patriotic touch:rolleyes:)

Now I'm not one who's against change, and I don't mind variety to the normal routine, but seriously, if you knew less than half of what went on to facilitate a visit by the US President you'd be shaking your head.

But I acknowledge it's probably a buzz for the plane geeks who hang on the fenceline (now don't go getting up tight when I say that...you all know who you are;)).

[Lee G]

Knowing at least half of what Nigel is talking about, I wholeheartedly agree with him! (There you go Nigel, put that one in your signature! :D)

[Stephen B]

It was rather a circus when GW was here last. They closed some of the busiest roads in Canberra at peak times just to let him through. Though I 'spose it meant he left quicker.........:D

[Steve Jones]

I'm with Nigel!

[NeilP]

Knowing at least half of what Nigel is talking about, I wholeheartedly agree with him! (There you go Nigel, put that one in your signature! :D)

Then why not explain so we (including the plane geeks who hang on the fenceline:p) can all have an informed opinion?

[Nigel C]

Because unfortunately it's not that simple, and I'd get RSI if I tried typing it all out here!

Basically there's a whole lot of security and operational related stuff, which I won't even try to go into here, that gets done by anyone and everyone who is even remotely involved in the arrival and departure phases. I'm sorry, but I can't be any more specific than that.

[Tony G]

Look, Air Force 1 is fun for all the souvenirs you can buy from the Marines who guard the support helicopter and all, but it's the biggest security overkill and all round unnecessary hassle.
The Chinese certainly didn't have the same carry on when they sent their Premier out here...(although the flag waving brigade was a nice patriotic touch:rolleyes:)

Now I'm not one who's against change, and I don't mind variety to the normal routine, but seriously, if you knew less than half of what went on to facilitate a visit by the US President you'd be shaking your head.

But I acknowledge it's probably a buzz for the plane geeks who hang on the fenceline (now don't go getting up tight when I say that...you all know who you are;)).

Thats fair enough mate, I think it is quite an overkill and cannot imagine the work involved for everyone that takes part in such an event. I was actually fortunate enough to have lunch with the last president and Jonny Howard a few years back and it was a group of about 100 and I'd say there was one security person for every person there having lunch, a wall of men in black surrounding the group.
But Im still one of those geeks on the fence line thats enjoys the rare aircraft that visit.

[KatieY]

I heard on Win News that they are gonna have two 747s .. is this true?

[Adam P.]

AIP SUP is out, for those interested in what's in the public domain regarding aviation procedures for this visit:

https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/publications/current/sup/s10-h15.pdf

Like APEC, but at least it only lasts a couple of days this time.

[Nigel C]

I heard on Win News that they are gonna have two 747s .. is this true?

There's usually a decoy/back up aircraft that flies with Air Force 1. It looks exactly the same apart from the tail number.

[Scott Thorpe]

If the last couple a POTUS visits are anything to go by SAM2900 (AKA AF2) will land about 10 mins before AF1. A media plane will be in sometime before (last time it was a UA 744) SAM2900.

I work at Fairbairn so I expect that we wil be given the day off as last week my car in the car park was 50 meters from Bang bangs A330.

[Tim Bowrey]

Possibly something to do with the visit.

Due into BNE tonight from Hickam AFB(PHIK) is USAF C-17 callsign "Reach 487" at about 7pm. Also a US Navy C-130 165160 has popped up on Balus radar not long ago possibly into Amberly.

Rego is 00-0181.

[Benny Zheng]

According to the White House press briefing, it seems that POTUS will arrive in the evening in CBR. (25/3) "He’ll begin that night with a dinner with Prime Minister Rudd"

And he will depart in the evening back to US. (26/3) "departing that night to return to the United States."

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/press-briefing-presidents-upcoming-trip-guam-indonesia-and-australia-denis-mcdonoug

[Gerald A]

Trip now canceled, expected to now take place some time in June this year,

White House expected to confirm dates some time today.

[Montague S]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/19/2850101.htm

[Nigel C]

His cancellation will make some of the Canberra people happy for now, but it means he may well come to Sydney as well on the next trip...:(

[Tim Bowrey]

but it means he may well come to Sydney as well on the next trip.

Yay!

Another two big movements for this afternoon possible to do with this perhaps even though just after he cancelled:S.

Another USAF C-17 from Hickam into BNE this afternoon at about 3pm as "Reach 488".

Also, about to depart PER within the next 30mins is Antonov An-124 using the callsign "VDA2780" departing down to MEL. In about 2pm or so.

Nothing to SYD :(

Cheers

[Lee G]

Nigel,

4 month delay? - Looks like the reprieve from the takeover which accompanies a US President was short lived...:(

[Nigel C]

Nigel,

4 month delay? - Looks like the reprieve from the takeover which accompanies a US President was short lived...:(

Yeah. I was happy that only Canberra was going to cop this visit....

Maybe I should plan a holiday for the next visit...oh wait, I already have one planned from nearly the middle of June onwards! Does anyone know the White House email address so I can request he arrives in late June?;)

[Steve Jones]

Tim, I hate to be a spoil sport, but be careful posting military aircraft movement information (be they Australian or foreign) on public websites prior to their arrival...

[Andrew P]

Steve

why not??

the flight from Hickam into BNE this afternoon now at 2.00pm is on the Brisbane Airport Arrivals board, for the whole world to see

if the info is in the public domain legally, post it

Andrew

[Steve Jones]

Feel free to do what you wish. But I can say with certainty that there are some who take a dim view of such things being posted...

[Andrew P]

please expand your innuendo

[Nigel C]

With all due respect I don't see any innuendo needing an explanation. He's obviously not referring to the kids at Redcliffe Primary school taking a dim view on these types of postings...

I think it's fair to say that although this particular movement was mentioned on the BACL website, there are plenty of others that take place where the military and other intelligence agencies would prefer to be kept somewhat out of the public arenas.

[Nathan Long]

The Australian authorities only have an issue with posting Australian military movements. Foreign are fair game.

[lloyd fox]

I agree Nathan.

[Stephen B]

What about taking the view that its simply not a good idea.

You will never ever know if you might be talking about a security issue, if the foreign aircraft might have been chartered by or is carrying Australian forces, or a foregin dignitary, and it might simply not be a good idea.

While it is unlikely here within Australia, there is always the potential that reporting a movement by any part of the defence forces, especially before or while it is happening, could endanger the lives of military personnel. That would be the people who voulenteer to risk their lives to provide us mere civilians with the almost unrivalled freedom to photograph almost any damn thing we want.

But should you dissagree, and feel that the "freedom of the press" or bragging rights, or whatever else might matter more, then I'll be happy to point you out to the vengeful family of the soldier for whom a trap was waiting when his plane landed in a foreign war zone.

[Darren Butterworth]

All dramatics and Osama Bin Bombers aside, I am glad that the vist has been postponed.
Allows me to go to Melb and fully enjoy the F1 next weekend without worrying that although I've photographed AF1, I would be missing the opportunity to capture 'Cadillac One', I never have, but would love to.

[Andrew P]

But should you dissagree, and feel that the "freedom of the press" or bragging rights, or whatever else might matter more, then I'll be happy to point you out to the vengeful family of the soldier for whom a trap was waiting when his plane landed in a foreign war zone.

In your purely hypothetical emotional charged (threat driven) scenario, if that was to occur. I would not be blaming myself at all, but his fellow officers who released the fight details into the public arena, or who failed to protect/keep the flight information within the forces.

Banjo

[Stephen B]

Sincere apololgies, but I did forget. The second wrong is always right.

[Gerald A]

Arrival now scheduled for June 7th

[Jaryd stock]

Is he coming to Sydney or going straight to Canbera?

[Kim F]

Arrival now scheduled for June 7th

Can I ask your source ?

[Gerald A]

Kim

Earley morning radio news reports

[Gerald A]

Jaryd

I belive its Canbera 1st then Sydney

[Tim Bowrey]

Any updates on this? A few websites say he's only going to be in Aus for 24hrs in early June.

[Lee G]

Latest from SMH says "The US President is expected to address Federal Parliament in Canberra on Friday June 18, before spending the weekend in Sydney with his family."

Nigel - looks like a busy time ahead, eh? :(

[Nigel C]

I'm mostly rostered off at this stage, with holidays starting on the 19th June (happy!:D)...unless there's a change in shift between then and now (perhaps not so happy:mad:).

[Lee G]

I need a shift change .... Day / Day - yuk! :mad:

[Jaryd stock]

What support aircraft are we likely to see arriving in australia before he hits our shores?

[Tony G]

Might double up on previous posts, just seen it on the news tonight. Obama is bringing the family and coming through Canberra and Sydney.

[Gareth Forwood]

From memory, if he's bringing along his helicopter(s), they'll come in C-5s, and I think the limos and other motorcade vehicles are brought over in several C-17s.

During APEC there was also an E-4B (another version of the 747-200) stationed on 24hr alert at BNE, so the same might happen again. I also think the 2nd VC-25A went to Richmond during APEC.

[Jaryd stock]

Thanks gareth it would be great to see the E-4,or C-5. During APEC or OPEC as Bush thought is was, didn't a 777 from United come out as well,bring the press over ?

[Tim Bowrey]

Latest from SMH says "The US President is expected to address Federal Parliament in Canberra on Friday June 18, before spending the weekend in Sydney with his family."

Does anyone know the confirmed dates if these are still correct?

Assuming he will arrive in the morning of Friday 18th then heading to Sydney on Saturday 19th and departing possible Sunday the 20th or 21st?

During APEC or OPEC as Bush thought is was, didn't a 777 from United come out as well,bring the press over ?

Yep Jaryd thats correct. It was N225UA (http://www.airliners.net/photo/United-Airlines/Boeing-777-222-ER/1261238/&sid=6f17381915f7d4e91acc10011f7d489e). Hopefully it will happen again ;)

[Gareth Forwood]

I remember reading that he was addressing parliament on Friday, so I'm guessing he'll probably head up to Syd on the Friday afternoon/evening. No idea when he'll leave Sydney though. Hopefully we'll get some movement in daylight hours... :D

[Paul McFarlane]

Oh if he goes somewhere in that thing (AF1) during the day, there will be movement all right!! ;):p

[Jaryd stock]

Hopefully tim we'll get something.I bet ya any money that he will arrive in the evening,AF1 will go straight in to one of sheds at the qantas base,and then depart back to the states in the evening as well. Knowing my luck anyway i wont even get a shot of it! As long as a C-5 brings marine1 out I will be happy.

[Andrew M]

Oh if he goes somewhere in that thing (AF1) during the day, there will be movement all right!! ;):p

I know we shouldn't quote full text, but this one had to be quoted :cool:

It's OK to quote the full text as long as it's not the immediately preceding post - mod.

[Gareth Forwood]

Let's hope the skid marks only appear on the runway...:eek:

[Nigel C]

Just announced...

OBAMA HAS CANCELLED his trip downunder.

:)

[Philip Argy]

The Gulf of Mexico is bigger than Australia

[Rod Sloan]

Apparently the American Embassy are still expecting a visit from the POTUS.

I guess its a case of watch this space.

[Ryan N]

Yep. Trip cancelled.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/obama-cancels-trip-to-australia-20100604-xjd6.html

[Philip Argy]

True to form, Nigel told us first - long before Rudd found out apparently! Thanks, Nige!

[Andrew M]

Indeed, I got the email notification on my mobile at 7:38am this morning about the trip being cancelled, yet only heard it on the news after lunch!

[Kieran Wells]

I heard it on the news this morning and thought - "Damn, i had planned all my holidays around Obama's visit to Australia, and the Football World Cup..." And now Obama has to go and change his plans... :( Oh well, at least 2 things remain: Plane spotting(not with Air force 1) and Football World Cup :)