MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron “Madhatters,” arrived at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho to participate in exercise Combat Hammer August 12, 2019.
The exercise is part of the U.S. Air Force Weapon Systems Evaluation Program, which is designed to evaluate the reliability, maintainability, suitability, and accuracy of precision guided munitions, as well as high technology air-to-ground munitions from tactical deliveries against realistic targets with realistic enemy defences.
“This is invaluable training for our aircrews,” said Lt. Col. William Wooten, 492nd FS commander. "Exercises like Combat Hammer enhance our readiness capabilities and allow us to project air power over our adversaries when we're called to do so."
The 492nd FS will drop live munitions over the Utah Test and Training Range, which hosts a unique moving target capability that provides aircrews with a superior operational environment, enhancing realistic tactical planning and employment scenarios.
Combat Hammer is scheduled to conclude on August 16. Training opportunities like Combat Hammer allow the Madhatters to remain capable of executing strategic attack, interdiction, close air support and counter-air missions in support of war plans and contingency operations for U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and NATO.