Reapers sharpen their skills at RF 17-2

Photo By Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield | An F-15C Eagle from the 493rd Fighter Squadron launches for a sortie in support of exercise Red Flag 17-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Feb 24. Red Flag is a realistic combat exercise involving U.S. and allied air forces conducting training operations on the 15,000 square mile Nevada Test and Training Range. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield)  

NV, UNITED STATES

02.20.2017

Story by Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield 

48th Fighter Wing

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 493rd Fighter Squadron, from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, along with various personnel from the 48th Fighter Wing, commenced their participation in the two-week exercise Red Flag 17-2, to conduct advanced training in air, space and cyberspace.

Red Flag incorporates all spectrums of warfare in a realistic combat training environment, providing vital experience to prepare and train Airmen in the event of future conflicts or war.

“We get to do what’s called, Large Force Employment. We [launch] up to 100 air planes at a time, go out in a very advanced range and train against a very high end threat. Not something we get to do every day,” said Col. Jason Zumwalt, 493rd FS commander. “Being able to do this in an international and joint environment, gives both my pilots and maintainers the opportunity to work together and learn how to solve very complex problems with all of the tools and assets we’d have available in an actual war-time environment.”

The exercise was designed to simulate the first 10 combat missions pilots would face and reduce risk during their first real world missions due to lack of experience.

“This trip for the 493rd is an excellent opportunity for us to go on the road and get the great training and build relationships within the [U.S. military], and with our international partners,” Zumwalt said.

During the two-week exercise, aircrews and air support operations personnel from various airframes, military services and allied countries will integrate and practice combat operations against a realistic air and ground threat array.

The exercise concludes March 10.

• Date Taken: 02.20.2017
• Date Posted: 03.15.2017 06:38
• Story ID: 226767
• Location: NV, US