48th Fighter Wing maintainers ready a 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle minutes before it departs for Gando Air Base, Spain March 6, 2009. The squadron sent aircraft support personnel, pilots and aircraft to participate in the dissimilar air combat training exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Gallahan.)
A 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle stows it’s landing gear after taking off to fly to Gando Air Base, Spain March 6, 2009. F-15s from RAF Lakenheath are flying to Spain to participate in a two-week dissimilar air combat training exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Gallahan.)
A 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle throttles up for takeoff while departing RAF Lakenheath for Gando Air Base, Spain March 6, 2009. The aircraft took off in two waves to participate in a dissimilar air combat training exercise. The overarching goal of the exercise is to improve flying skills against other aircraft, to include the Eurofighter and F/A-18, and improve relations with the Spanish Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Gallahan.)
Lt. Col. Michael King, 493rd Fighter Squadron commander, answers questions from local reporters about his squadron’s participation in an exercise at Gando Air Base, Spain. The squadron will be participating in the two-week exercise to hone their skills against dissimilar aircraft, to include the Eurofighter and F/A-18s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Gallahan.)