USARCENT Builds Partnerships with 55th Fighter Squadron

Photo By Sgt. Amber Cobena | U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alexander Winn, Operational Support Squadron Commander, partners with U.S. Army Central Lt. Col. Stephen Flanagan, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion Commander, at 55th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. on April, 19, 2021. Flanagan flew backseat in the F-16D, as Winn performed a basic flight mission profile and dog fighting exercise in the sky. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Amber Cobena, U.S. Army Central Public Affairs)  

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

04.18.2021

Story by Spc. Amber Cobena 

U.S. Army Central   

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- U.S. Army Central (USARCENT) Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (HHBN) Commander Lt. Col. Stephen Flanagan partnered with the 55th Fighter Squadron, part of the 20th Fighter Wing, to learn more about the U.S. Air Force through the eyes of an F-16 pilot, April 19.

Flanagan rode co-pilot to Lt. Col. Alexander Winn, call sign “Splash,” who is the Operational Support Squadron Commander at the 20th Fighter Wing. Flanagan sat in the back seat of an F-16 D, and flew the basic flight mission profile, which is a one-on-one dog fighting exercise, the most aggressive flight maneuver.

Flanagan received this opportunity after he spoke with Col. Sullivan, the 20th Fighter Wing Commander, regarding how the Army can fly with the Air Force. Sullivan mentioned they offer familiarization flights for the Air Force and Army O5 command team and up. Once Flanagan heard about that opportunity he signed up for it.

Flanagan has partnered with the 20th Fighter Wing to offer this experience to others at USARCENT, such as NCO and Soldier of the year for the HHBN.

“We've been looking for opportunities to develop the partnerships and cooperation with our U.S. Air Force neighbors,” said Flanagan.
“USARCENT has participated in professional development classes with both NCO and Officers, and the Air Force has participated in our Tactical Combat Casualty Care training, which helps them understand life-saving techniques to provide on the battlefield.”

The benefit from training together helps both branches understand how the other operates.

“I gained a lot more understanding about the Air Force, about flying and what goes into flying a fighter jet. I have a deeper respect for it as well,” said Flanagan.

The Army and Air Force continue to educate and train with each other to prepare to fight and win future wars.

• Date Taken: 04.18.2021
• Date Posted: 05.05.2021 13:27
• Story ID: 395689
• Location: SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, US