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48th Fighter Wing participates in Point Blank 19-2

By Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published July 02, 2019

A French Air Force Rafale takes off to participate in exercise Point Blank at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. Training exercises with NATO allies reinforce and enhance deterrence and combined defense capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)
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A French Air Force Rafale takes off to participate in exercise Point Blank at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. Training exercises with NATO allies reinforce and enhance deterrence and combined defense capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron conducts in-flight refueling operations with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the North Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)
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An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron conducts in-flight refueling operations with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the North Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

A French Air Force maintainer cleans the windscreen of a Rafale during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Point Blank is a trilateral exercise focused on fourth and fifth-generation aircraft integration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)
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A French Air Force maintainer cleans the windscreen of a Rafale during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Point Blank is a trilateral exercise focused on fourth and fifth-generation aircraft integration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Bernier conducts a pre-flight check of his F-15D Eagle in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)
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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Bernier conducts a pre-flight check of his F-15D Eagle in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

A French Air Force Rafale takes off to participate in exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. The transatlantic strategic relationships between the U.S. and its European allies has been forged over the past seven decades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)
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A French Air Force Rafale takes off to participate in exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. The transatlantic strategic relationships between the U.S. and its European allies has been forged over the past seven decades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)

F-15 aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing conduct aerial operations in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the North Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)
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F-15 aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing conduct aerial operations in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the North Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

A French Air Force pilot prepares to taxi during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Routine multinational training exercises like Point Blank increase participating air force’s ability to better integrate with other allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)
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A French Air Force pilot prepares to taxi during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Routine multinational training exercises like Point Blank increase participating air force’s ability to better integrate with other allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)

U.S. Air Force fourth and fifth-generation aircraft fly in an echelon formation with a Royal Air Force Typhoon in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the North Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)
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U.S. Air Force fourth and fifth-generation aircraft fly in an echelon formation with a Royal Air Force Typhoon in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the North Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

A 494nd Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle takes off to participate in exercise Point Blank at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. Training exercises with NATO allies reinforce and enhance deterrence and combined defense capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)
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A 494nd Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle takes off to participate in exercise Point Blank at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. Training exercises with NATO allies reinforce and enhance deterrence and combined defense capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron conducts basic fighter maneuvers in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the Nprth Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)
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An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron conducts basic fighter maneuvers in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the Nprth Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

A French Air Force pilot climbs into a Rafale during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. More than 50 aircraft from three nations, U.S., France, and the UK, participated in the exercise promoting interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)
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A French Air Force pilot climbs into a Rafale during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. More than 50 aircraft from three nations, U.S., France, and the UK, participated in the exercise promoting interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)

U.S. Air Force fourth and fifth-generation aircraft fly in an echelon formation with a Royal Air Force Typhoon and a French Rafale in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the North Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)
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U.S. Air Force fourth and fifth-generation aircraft fly in an echelon formation with a Royal Air Force Typhoon and a French Rafale in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the North Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

A 492nd Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle takes off during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. This trilateral exercise provides a low-cost initiative designed to increase the tactical proficiency of participating air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)
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A 492nd Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle takes off during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. This trilateral exercise provides a low-cost initiative designed to increase the tactical proficiency of participating air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron conducts aerial operations in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the Nprth Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)
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An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron conducts aerial operations in support of exercise Pointblank 19-2, over the Nprth Sea, June 27, 2019. The objective of the exercise is to prepare coalition warfighters for a highly contested fight against near-peer adversaries by providing a multi-dimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of US, UK and French national interests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

A French Air Force maintainer signals a Rafale pilot during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. During this trilateral exercise, participating air forces are enhancing professional relationships and improving overall coordination with allies and partner militaries during times of crisis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)
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A French Air Force maintainer signals a Rafale pilot during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. During this trilateral exercise, participating air forces are enhancing professional relationships and improving overall coordination with allies and partner militaries during times of crisis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)

A French Air Force Rafale takes off during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Point Blank is a trilateral exercise focused on fourth and fifth-generation aircraft integration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)
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A French Air Force Rafale takes off during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Point Blank is a trilateral exercise focused on fourth and fifth-generation aircraft integration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)

A French Air Force pilot prepares a Rafale for takeoff during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. During this trilateral exercise, participating air forces are enhancing professional relationships and improving overall coordination with allies and partner militaries during times of crisis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)
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A French Air Force pilot prepares a Rafale for takeoff during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. During this trilateral exercise, participating air forces are enhancing professional relationships and improving overall coordination with allies and partner militaries during times of crisis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)

An aircraft maintainer, assigned to the 48th Maintenance Group, renders a salute to an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot before takeoff during Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. Approximately 52 aircraft from the U.S., France, and the U.K. participated in the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)
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An aircraft maintainer, assigned to the 48th Maintenance Group, renders a salute to an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot before takeoff during Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. Approximately 52 aircraft from the U.S., France, and the U.K. participated in the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)

A French Air Force maintainer readies a pilot’s helmet during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Routine multinational training exercises like Point Blank increase participating air force’s ability to integrate with other allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)
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A French Air Force maintainer readies a pilot’s helmet during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Routine multinational training exercises like Point Blank increase participating air force’s ability to integrate with other allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)

An F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron prepares to take off for exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. U.S. personnel from RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, England, along with military members from the U.K. and France participated in the exercise, promoting multinational cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)
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An F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron prepares to take off for exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 27, 2019. U.S. personnel from RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, England, along with military members from the U.K. and France participated in the exercise, promoting multinational cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith)

An F-15E Strike Eagle taxis past a French Air Force Rafale during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. More than 50 aircraft from three nations, U.S., France, and the UK, participated in the exercise promoting interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)
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An F-15E Strike Eagle taxis past a French Air Force Rafale during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. More than 50 aircraft from three nations, U.S., France, and the UK, participated in the exercise promoting interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)

A French Air Force maintainer prepares to taxi during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Point Blank is a trilateral exercise focused on fourth and fifth-generation aircraft integration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)
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A French Air Force maintainer prepares to taxi during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Point Blank is a trilateral exercise focused on fourth and fifth-generation aircraft integration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)

French Air Force Rafales and U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles readies a pilot’s helmet during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. More than 50 aircraft from three nations, U.S., France, and the UK, participated in the exercise promoting interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)
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French Air Force Rafales and U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles readies a pilot’s helmet during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. More than 50 aircraft from three nations, U.S., France, and the UK, participated in the exercise promoting interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle, assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron, takes off during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Routine multinational training exercises like Point Blank increase participating air force’s ability to integrate with other allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)
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A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle, assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron, takes off during exercise Point Blank 19-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 17, 2019. Routine multinational training exercises like Point Blank increase participating air force’s ability to integrate with other allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/Released)

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ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --

The 48th Fighter Wing took part in exercise Point Blank 19-2, alongside other U.S., French and Royal Air Force units participating from various locations in the U.K. 

The airspace is uniquely situated to allow units to operate out of their respective bases and provides cost-effective training in a local environment. 

“Point Blank focuses on fourth and fifth generation aircraft integration across three nations with a total of 48 aircraft meeting in the skies over the North Sea,” said Lt. Col. Jason Watkins, commander of the 48th Operations Support Squadron.

Participants were divided into opposing sides during the exercise.

“We had 34 blue air (good guys) and 14 red air (bad guys) in total,” said Watkins.

Military training and exercises with allies and partners is vital to our operational readiness and capability to respond anytime, anywhere.