Louisiana Army and Air National Guard

Story by Capt. Beverly Couto

ANTOFAGASTA, Chile - The Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing participated in a joint flight exercise with four other countries in Chile, Oct. 21.

Pilots from the U.S., Chile, Argentina, Brazil and France have been working together in an exercise called "SALITRE II", which is a Combined Air Operations Center training opportunity that allows the different countries to train together on things like air search-and-rescue and aerial refueling.

The 159th participates in these types of exercises periodically, the most recent being "Operation Load Diffuser" hosted by Hungary.

"If there is ever a day when we have to join forces in support of humanitarian or other missions, it is training like this that will make for a smoother transition," said Maj. Marcus "Skate" Sauley, an F-15 pilot with the 159th.

Most of the pilots received the opportunity to fly with one of the other countries.

"The Chileans are very good pilots. Learning the ability of different airframes in theory, and actually flying against them with the pilot's ability in play, is when you really learn what those airframes can do," said Sauley.

The five countries all have strong relationships, so coming together to train and learn from one another only enhances that bond. Together each of the air forces will learn from the opportunity to fly together, train together and plan together...all while overcoming language barriers.

"It is totally different when compared to training back home," said Lt. Col. Thomas "Cannibal" Sostarics, a 159th fighter pilot. "Training with other countries is invaluable when it comes to learning to operate by the same rules and doing it safely and effectively."

The exercise began on Oct. 19 with the first four days dedicated to orientation briefings, flying and learning the layout of terrain and training areas. The simulated fighting missions will follow.

These training missions are designed by the host nation and offer participants the opportunity to prepare for future planning in exercises held in the U.S.

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