Page 2 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, Jan. 4 2019

2 January 4, 2019 www.aerotechnews.com/nellisafb
January 2018
The U.S. Air Force announced that the first AFWERX location would be near the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, AFWERX will serve as a col- laborative, creative concept exchange hub existing to attract and maximize ideas from public, academic, small business and industry visionaries.
Jan. 2-12
The Air Combat Command’s Di- rectorate of Operations in conjunction with the U.S. Air Force Warfare Cen- ter hosted the 2018 Combat Air Force Weapons and Tactics Conference at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. WEPTAC provides a unique opportunity for combat air force tactical experts to brief and discuss current issues, look at future challenges, and present solu- tions for tactical topics directly to se- nior leaders throughout the Air Force, joint services, and coalition partners.
Jan. 6
The Commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. Mike Holmes, and ACC Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Frank Batten, visited the men and women of Creech Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 6, 2018. Holmes and Batten met with Creech leadership to discuss future installation and mission oppor- tunities. They also toured operational squadrons to greet the Airmen of the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expedition- ary Wing and see them perform their critical mission.
During the visit, Holmes addressed his priorities for the New Year and also explained how instrumental the men and women of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft community are, espe- cially within the ACC fleet.
Jan. 11
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence made his way to Las Vegas Jan. 11 to attend the grand opening of the first AFWERX facility and visit the men and women of Nellis. Upon ar- rival, Pence, Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Goldfein headed downtown for the opening of the AFWERX-Vegas storefront, which will serve as an innovation hub to con- nect innovators and accelerate results.
2018 Year in review
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Wing leadership and Airmen of the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing stand in formation for their historical wing photo, Feb. 5, 2018 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The unit celebrated its 75th anniversary and the many achievements the wing accomplished throughout its history, Feb. 22, 2018 at Creech.
Air Force photograph by Lorenz Crespo
F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets assigned to the 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., prepare for takeoff during Red Flag 18-1, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 30, 2018. Red Flag gives mission commanders the opportunity to lead in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment with multi-domain assets. The 4th FW was the lead unit for Red Flag 18-1.
Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Christian Clausen
Jan. 26-Feb. 16
The Air Force kicked off Red Flag 18-1 – its largest three-week premier air- to-air combat training exercise.
“We’re trying a few new and different things with Red Flag 18-1,” said Col Michael Mathes, 414th Combat Training Squad- ron commander. “It’s the largest Red Flag ever with the largest number of par- ticipants, highlighting the balance of training ef- ficiency with mission ef- fectiveness.”
The Royal Australian Air Force took part in Red Flag 18-1.
Air Force photograph
Lt. Col. Ben Rudolphi, U.S. Air Force Weapons School deputy commandant, taxis an A-10 Thunderbolt II straight wing jet aircraft onto the flightline of Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 19, 2018. The flight marked Rudolphi’s 3,000th flying hour in which he accomplished nearly 1,000 sorties.
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Andrew D. Sarver
Vice President Mike Pence shakes hands with Airmen during his visit to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 11, 2018. Nellis is Air Combat Command’s largest base and home to the U.S. Thunderbirds.
Jan. 19
Lt. Col. Ben Ru- dolphi, U.S. Air Force Weapons School deputy com- mandant, flew an A-10 Thunderbolt II straight wing jet aircraft at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev, Jan. 19, 2018. The flight marked Rudolphi’s 3,000th flying hour in which he accom- plished nearly 1,000 sorties.
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