By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew, 48th Fighter Wing
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The U.S. Air Force’s
492nd Fighter Squadron sent several F-15E Strike Eagles to support the British
Royal Air Force’s premier air combat training exercise, Typhoon Warrior, Aug.
14-23, at RAF Coningsby, England.
The squadron’s participation provided a valuable training
experience for RAF personnel, allowing them to study best practices integrating
with U.S. platforms, officials said.
“As long-standing allies on operations, it is critical for
the RAF to understand how best to work together with U.S. assets,” said British
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 and wider Typhoon Force. Hopefully we learn a lot
from the 2017 Raytheon Trophy winners!”
‘Top of Their Game’
The RAF’s Typhoon QWIC served as the cornerstone of the
training, with a focus on defensive and offensive counter-air operations,
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 U.S. allies is one of the ways we reach, and maintain
that standard," Fordham said.
For the 48th Fighter Wing, Typhoon Warrior allowed 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 such as Typhoon Warrior increase the
level of camaraderie within the fighter community, serving as just one example
of the U.S. and U.K.’s unwavering commitment to collective defense, a unique
and enduring principle that binds U.S. and British airmen together.
“RAF and United States Air Force fighter pilots are kindred
spirits,” Fordham said. “The camaraderie between RAF and U.S. fighter pilots
pre-dates the formation of the USAF, and is as strong as ever today."
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