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Tyndall AFB Supports International Training Missions
by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Anabel Del Valle
February 18,
2022
Tyndall Air Force Base’s vast amount of
airspace located over the eastern Gulf of Mexico recently supported
the 308th Fighter Squadron, assigned to Luke AFB, in their mission
to train 5th-generation fighter pilots.
The 308th FS
traveled to Tyndall to finish six student pilots’ basic course
training on the F-35A Lightning II as well as continue training
programs for transitional students and instructor pilots. The 308th
FS training organization is unique as it caters to both domestic and
foreign forces, including students from the Netherlands and Denmark.
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U.S. Airmen assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, watch F-35A Lightning IIs taxi the flight line at Tyndall AFB, Florida, January 27, 2022. Luke’s F-35s traveled to Tyndall to participate in a capstone training exercise designed to stimulate a combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anabel Del Valle)
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“The interoperability that we have between
the United States and partner squadrons establishes a foundation for
future [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] F-35 operations,”
explained Maj. Robert Cowsert, 308th FS assistant director of
operations. “Our goal is to provide students the experience of
operating from an unfamiliar airfield, integration with other
aircraft types, and to achieve high-level end-of-course training.
Our joint tactics ensure seamless integration.”
The training
here allowed pilots from the three nations to not only fly with
Tyndall aircraft, but Eglin AFB and Alabama Air National Guard
assets also.
To support visiting personnel and aircraft,
the 325th Fighter Wing’s Plans and Programs Office and the 325th
Logistics Readiness Squadron Reception Working Group plan together
to ensure the visiting unit is secure with all necessary assets to
complete the exercise.
“We are the magic that ensures the
visiting units are able to meet their goal,” said Capt. Logan Davis,
RWG lead. “We handle necessities ranging from communications support
to transportation. The Wing Program Office coordinates exercise
plans then provides us with situational awareness so we can prepare
to support.”
Team Tyndall constantly hosts different units
during large-scale training exercises such as Checkered Flag and the
Weapons System Evaluation Program. However, providing assistance to
the 308th FS is especially beneficial as Tyndall is preparing for
its own arrival of F-35 squadrons. Hosting trainings like this
allows for base agencies to test what works well when housing the
aircraft.
“With Luke coming out, it shows what is in store
for our future F-35 mission,” explained Davis. “This allows our team
to get ready for what Tyndall is anticipated to be like in the next
two or three years. It is as if we are dipping our toes in the water
of future operations, not only for maintenance and those out on the
flight line, but for the whole base.”
Supporting the 308th FS
capstone allows Team Tyndall to train and project unrivaled combat
airpower, not only for U.S. forces, but NATO forces as well.
The production of 5th-generation fighter
pilots is already in Tyndall’s mission, but with supporting the
F-35s, Tyndall is also learning how to better execute future F-35
missions as the “Installation of the Future ” is crafted.
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