A Trip To Las Vegas: Red Flag 24-1
I was fortunate enough to spend a full day this past January in Vegas with some friends for another edition of Red Flag, specifically 24-1. First thoughts overall brought a good mixture of aircraft from a total of 30 various squadrons across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The UK participated with their Eurofighter Typhoon and their KC3 tanker, while the Aussies brought their F35A Lightning II aircraft, marking the first time they've included their Panthers in a Red Flag exercise.
On the U.S. side of things, a total of about 80 aircraft from all around America, including Avaino with the 555th Fighter Squadron, totaling 14 F-16 Viper aircraft. U.S.-based fighters included F22 Raptors from the 525th FS out of JB Elmendorf-Richardson, F35A’s from Hill AFB, F16s from Shaw AFB, F15 Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson AFB, and F35B’s from Yuma. Among the Nellis red air squadrons were the 64th AGRS, 65th AGRS, 6th WPS, 422nd TES, 17th WPS, and the newest addition, the 706th Aggressors flying F16s.
For the interdiction role, four B-2 Spirit aircraft from Whiteman AFB and five B-52 Stratofortress participated in the bomber scenarios. Command & Control was handled by the 960th & 964th AACS. Reconnaissance was conducted by the 38th RS with the RC-135 Rivet Joint. Electronic Warfare was managed by VAQ-134 & 139 from NAS Whidbey Island, WA, and finally, Refueling was handled by the 92nd ARW out of Fairchild, 465th ARS out of Tinker, 91st ARS out of McDill, & the 10/101sq from RAF Brize Norton, UK.
There was definitely a change of pace with the aircraft, not only in terms of the number of participants but also in the day-to-day switch-off with the interdiction role of the B2 and B52. Night sorties seemed to be the backbone of this exercise during the two weeks 24-1 was in play. After that, Exercise Bamboo Eagle commenced following the end of Red Flag.
The Bamboo Eagle Exercise is a new multi-domain element exercise that includes maritime warfare and Agile Combat Employment, observed over radar in the Pacific off the coast of LA during the "third" week of the joint exercise. The main objective is to provide advanced training in various courses of events to strengthen conflict abilities and ultimately prevent these events if they do happen. According to various sources, expect to see this new exercise happening each of the third weeks of Red Flag once or twice per year.
It was certainly another amazing trip to Vegas. I'm excited to be back soon for 24-2; it's going to be interesting with the 🇩🇰🇳🇱 and the Panther party.
Check out more photos below!!!
