Madhatters support premier RAF exercise

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 492nd Fighter Squadron, Madhatters recently dedicated F-15E Strike Eagles in support of Typhoon Warrior, the Royal Air Force’s premier air combat training exercise Aug. 14-23 at RAF Coningsby, England.

The Madhatters’ participation provided a valuable training experience for RAF personnel, allowing them to study best practices integrating with U.S. platforms.

“As long-standing allies on operations, it is critical for the RAF to understand how best to work together with U.S. assets,” said Royal Air Force Squadron Leader James Fordham, 29 Squadron. “Working with the 492nd Fighter Squadron is a fantastic opportunity for the Typhoon Qualified Weapons Instructor Course (QWIC) and wider Typhoon Force. Hopefully we learn a lot from the 2017 Raytheon Trophy winners!”

The RAF’s Typhoon QWIC serves as the cornerstone of the training, with a focus on defensive counter air, offensive counter air, dynamic targeting, air interdiction, close air support, and joint personnel recovery. Exercise staff at RAF Coningsby coordinate annual fighter, tanker and various support participation from RAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Cobham, Spadeadam and Scampton, to provide Typhoon FGR4 aircrews with the best training available in the U.K.

"With the Typhoon Force expanding, integrating new weapons and developing new capabilities, QWIs have to be at the top of their game; working with our US allies is one of the ways we reach, and maintain that standard," said Fordham.

For the 48th Fighter Wing, Typhoon Warrior allows F-15E aircrews an opportunity to leverage their skill and knowledge with RAF aviators, while sharpening air interoperability tactics for potential contingencies.

“It is a huge honor to participate in the Typhoon Warrior,” said U.S. Air Force Major Eric Joachim, 48th Operations Support Squadron chief of wing weapons. “As threats to the security of our two nations continue to morph, it is vitally important that we advance our techniques, tactics, and procedures to counter them.”

Integrated exercises like Typhoon Warrior increase the level of comradery within the fighter community, and serves as just one example of the U.S. and U.K.’s unwavering commitment to collective defense, and remains a unique and enduring principle that binds U.S. and RAF Airmen together.

“RAF and United States Air Force fighter pilots are kindred spirits,” said Fordham. “The camaraderie between RAF and U.S. fighter pilots pre-dates the formation of the USAF, and is as strong as ever today."