EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The first week of RED FLAG-Alaska 13-1 concluded Oct 12, 2012, with 428th Fighter Squadron aircrew studying and learning from the many combat training lessons while maintainers worked late into the night and throughout the weekend in order to keep aircraft operable.
The constant push of 12 "sorties" a week throughout the exercise tests those on the ground who ensure aircraft are ready for flight-- A job made all the more difficult combined with the severe temperature changes of autumn in Alaska.
"There are at least two sorties a day and we were able to ensure all aircraft were safe and serviceable for aircrews despite the cold temperatures and rain," said ME2 Sargunan Subramanian, 428th FS aircraft engineer. "We are extremely pleased with our performance throughout the week and excited to be training in Alaska."
For many Buccaneer aircrews, one big draw of training in Alaska is the 67,000 square miles of air space, the most available in the world.
"Training in RED FLAG-Alaska airspace presents a great opportunity for F-15SG aircrew to train in a multi-faceted environment dealing with realistic air-to-air and air-to-ground threats," said Republic of Singapore Maj. Freddie Lim-Ng, 428th FS assistant director of operations.
RF-A 13-1 continues for another week allowing 428th FS personnel the opportunity to continue operating alongside allies to learn and maximize this unique training exercise.