Red Flag Alaska by Curt Jans. Photos by Curt Jans, Jason Hyatt, Paul Filmer and Jonathan Derden

Red Flag – Alaska (RFA) is a multi-service, multi-national, air combat training exercise sponsored by the Pacific Air Forces of the US Air Force. The exercise, originally named Cope Thunder, began in 1976 at Clark Air Base, Philippines. In 1992, following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, Cope Thunder was moved to Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) in Alaska, and in 2006 Cope Thunder was renamed Red Flag – Alaska.

From its beginning, the main objective of the exercise has been to improve the ability of aircrew to handle high-stress combat situations. While this intent remains unchanged, the exercise has greatly expanded to literally "overwhelm the senses with combat simulations" according to Lt Col Reggie Smith of the 353rd Combat Training Squadron (CTS). The 353rd CTS designs and creates each mission scenario during RFA. Additionally, each exercise may be tailored to meet specific training requests of participating squadrons, including command-and-control integration, SAM (surface-to-air missile) threat simulations, specific air-to-air or air-to-ground scenarios, airdrops, and search-and-rescue operations.

RFA 08-2, the second exercise in Fiscal Year 2008, was held from April 3rd to 18th, with participants from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the US Air Force, and the US Navy. With over 80 aircraft deployed and two combat missions per day, RFA participants flew over 1000 sorties over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex during the 10-day exercise. A typical day included a morning and an afternoon mission, with launch and recovery operations conducted simultaneously at Eielson AFB and Elmendorf AFB.

Each mission began with the launch of the "heavies," due to their extended range and loiter capabilities. These aircraft included KC-10A Extenders from McGuire and Travis AFBs, RC-135 and WC-135 reconnaissance aircraft from Offut AFB, USAF E-3 Sentries from Elmendorf AFB and Kadena AB, and Royal Air Force Sentry AEW.1s from RAF Waddington, England.

Shortly after, waves of fighters and electronic attack planes departed. At RFA 08-2, two EA-6Bs from Electronic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133), the Wizards, provided detection and jamming of enemy electronic signals. Also present on the hot ramp was one Prowler from Navy Reserve squadron VAQ-209, the Star Warriors, but it did not fly during our visit.

All F-15 Eagle and F-22 Raptor participants operated from Elmendorf AFB during the exercise. The "blue" forces were led by the Elmendorf-based 90th Fighter Squadron (FS), flying the F-22A Raptor. Visiting fighter squadrons at Elmendorf included the 43rd FS from Tyndall AFB, flying the F-22A, and the 60th FS from Eglin AFB, flying F-15C Eagles.

In contrast, units flying other fighters were stationed at Eielson AFB during RFA. The "Red Force" was provided by the 18th Aggressor Squadron, home-based at Eielson. The squadron flies block 30 F-16s recently acquired from the 8th Fighter Wing; all except one have been painted in arctic aggressor paint schemes.

Visiting USAF squadrons included the 14th FS from Misawa AB, Japan, the 36th FS from Osan AB, Republic of Korea, and the 61st FS from Luke AFB. The Top Dogs of the 61st FS brought a mix of their own planes and additional Vipers from the 62nd FS, the Spikes. The 33rd Rescue Squadron from Kadena AB, Japan, flying HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters provided a combat search and rescue component for the exercise.

Rounding out the participants at Eielson AFB were international forces from two countries. The Canadian Forces were represented by the 409th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the Nighthawks, flying CF-18 Hornets. The Royal Australian Air Force also sent F/A-18 Hornets, which were marked for three different squadrons.

After each mission, multiple debriefings were conducted between the bases and at the local level. The lessons learned from each RFA exercise are used to enhance future exercises and to ensure training goals are met.

While the topography in Alaska offered great variety for training, the weather provided a challenge to operations. During our visit, the weather changed considerably from day to day, and it was unusually cold. Launches were curtailed or outright canceled on at least three separate days. Fortunately, the crews consider the Alaska weather to be just a part of the Red Flag Alaska experience.

Acknowledgements:

Latest Articles