RAF Lakenheath Airmen train at Red Flag

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chris Stagner
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Airmen from the 494th Fighter Squadron began honing their warfighting skills at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., on Oct. 19 when Red Flag 10-1 started.

Working alongside almost 1,300 servicemembers, more than 80 aircraft and 15 units from three countries, the Team Liberty warriors comprise the allied team in the exercise.

The exercise is a great opportunity for people to get out of their comfort zones and fight a war at a rapid pace according to Col. Ellwood Hinman, 23rd Fighter Group commander at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., deployed to Red Flag as the air expeditionary wing commander.

"What you may have done (in previously deployed locations) was certainly great, but it's not what you're doing here," he said. "This Red Flag provides us the opportunity to maximize training throughout its duration."

The key benefit for most fliers is removing themselves from the vacuum of normal operations.

"We learn to integrate with other platforms as part of a large force to accomplish the mission," said Capt. Eddie Cannon, deployed from the 494th Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England. "That's not something we normally get to do."

The exercise doesn't just include a team forming an air expeditionary wing and going through the motions. Those here as a part of Red Flag deal with an aggressor force known as Red Force.

The Red Force encompasses all aspects of war. They are anything from enemy pilots to cyberspace infiltrators. They are trained to challenge Red Flag participants and have been known to dig through trash.

"We're trying to keep the focus on the big picture," said Lt. Col. Mike Rider, 414th Combat Training Squadron director of operations. "We're set up to challenge all our assets in full spectrum operations. Our aggressors are professionals, and they will challenge you.

The ability to receive the training comes from the almost 5,000 square miles of the Nevada Test and Training Range.

"The NTTR is a national treasure," said Colonel Rider. "It's a massive piece of land where we can fight and get things done."

Even in the midst of pushing people to their limits to prepare them for war, safety is reiterated as the most important part of the exercise.

"We're going to try to make things happen fast, but don't forget your [technical orders] and safety," said Lt. Col. Mark Ciero, AEW deputy commander, deployed from the 48th Operations Group at RAF Lakenheath. "There's nothing we're doing here that should end in a trip to the hospital."