Photo By Tech. Sgt. Betty Chevalier | A U.S. Airman assigned to the 95th Fighter Generation Squadron prepares an F-35A...... read more read more
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The 325th Fighter Wing recently deployed Airmen and F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, to serve as the Core Wing during Red Flag-Nellis 26-1, Feb. 2-14, 2026.
The wing’s role in Red Flag-Nellis 26-1 allows for certification of mission commanders and exposes Airmen to the current deployment structure, preparing the 325th Fighter Wing for future real-world taskings.
Red Flag-Nellis is a large-scale joint exercise designed to provide realistic, multi-domain training in a combined air, ground, space and electronic threat environment, replicating warfare scenarios warfighters may face in conflict. The 26-1 iteration brought thousands of service members across 32 units from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Navy, Air National Guard, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Air Force to enhance coalition readiness and interoperability necessary to operate in future fights.
“The 325 FW’s participation in Red Flag as the Core Wing has created opportunities for our Airmen to further connect to our mission of flying and fixing on a large scale, but also by being exposed to fighting alongside our joint and coalition partners,” said Col. Christian Bergtholdt, 325th FW commander. “These opportunities can be limited, and I know our Airmen are appreciating the challenge of immersing in the exercise.”
The 325th FW formed the core of Air Expeditionary Wing, leading the “Blue Forces,” or the friendly forces, while also providing essential aspects of the wing staff structure to ensure a centralized command and support system for all participating units. This ensured that key elements of operations including intel, maintenance, safety and more, were filled by the 325th FW, enabling the execution of the mission and encouraging communication and collaboration across the “Blue Forces.”
“The ultimate goal of Red Flag is to ensure that we maintain our air superiority and enhance the lethality of our force,” stated Chief Master Sgt. Luke Lucas, 325th FW command chief.“This exercise is our opportunity to learn how to communicate and operate as a cohesive team in a complex, multi-domain environment. The lessons we learn about interoperability here will be critical to our success in any future conflict.”
With more than 12,000 square miles of airspace and approximately 2,200 targets, the Nevada Test and Training Range provides a unique combat training environment that tests and advances warfighter’s quick decision-making skills and survivability in conflict for all pilots.
“Red Flag is one of the premier training events that we get to attend in the F-35 community; it’s the largest exercise that I’ve ever been a part of,” said Capt. Simon Little, 95th Fighter Squadron F-35A Lightning II pilot. “Red Flag provides a phenomenal opportunity to train with our coalition partners and work on our joint interoperability to fight the war, learn from each other’s tactics and be able to become a more lethal team together.”
Preparation and execution of exercises such as Red Flag replicate world-wide deployment actions including logistics and operational support. The planning and limited resources allow for units to identify obstacles, make decisions and find solutions thus ensuring Airmen are mission-ready now.
“Being off-station gives us a view of what operations will look like when we are downrange,” said Tech. Sgt. Nina Beverly Chang, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of decentralized material support for the 95th Fighter Generation Squadron. “We are able to build stronger relationships within the different sections and communicate better to know what needs to happen, such as planning for parts and ensuring the aircraft are ready for the next mission.”
As 325th FW continues to participate and lead large-scale readiness exercises across the country, the mission to project unrivaled combat airpower remains at the forefront.
| Date Taken: | 02.13.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.17.2026 08:58 |
| Story ID: | 558131 |
| Location: | NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA, US |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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