by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - The multinational exercise, Red Flag-Alaska, began Oct. 8, 2012, at Eielson AFB, Alaska, despite cold temperature and constant rain.
RF-A, a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, Joint National Training Capability accredited exercise, is a collection of tactical air combat exercises designed to replicate the stresses that warfighters must face during their first 10 combat sorties.
The 428th Fighter Squadron from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, began the exercise on a federal holiday and amid constant rainfall.
"Working in the rain didn't bother me or my crew at all," said ME1 Caili Weng, 428th FS crew chief. "We just slow down and work more carefully to make sure the job gets done. Sometimes the weather can cause various problems but it's our job to fix them and get the jet in the air."
Ground crews allowed multiple aircrews an opportunity to fly in the inclement conditions by working meticulously throughout the day.
"I love rain even if it's cold like it is here," said Weng.