ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The 494th Fighter Squadron participated in the Royal Air Force combat training exercise, Typhoon Warrior, over the skies of England, Aug. 13 through Aug. 23, 2019.
The exercise provides F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews an opportunity to leverage their skill and knowledge with RAF aviators, while sharpening air interoperability tactics for potential contingencies through enhancing air-to-air and air-to-ground combat techniques to counter possible threats.
“We are given a complex tactical problem to include air to air threats and air to ground threats and we come together to make a creative solution to win,” said Capt. Patrick Ryan, 494th Fighter Squadron pilot.
Working with NATO allies in Typhoon Warrior provides valuable air combat skills to protect from potential threats by integrating new weapon technology and developing capabilities.
“In this exercise there are roughly 36 aircraft in the air, meaning you have to think about your missiles and your strikes you’re targeting, as well as making sure you’re on time, on target, and taking necessary precautions to keep everyone safe,” said Capt. Mike Nunez, 494th fighter squadron pilot.
Exercises like Typhoon Warrior enhance the Liberty Wing’s preparedness by continuing to support, develop and improve air readiness with surrounding RAF personnel. This support is significant in maintaining security and building partnership capacity.