Page 6 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, August 21, 2020

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Nellis Airmen join LFTE focused on SEAD, LO and EA complete at Nellis AFB

ReD FLAG-ReSCue Nellis AFB, Nev. unique integration of tactics, techniques, and procedures
As a result of the LFTE, the Air Force was able to explore
by 1st Lt Savanah Bray
that have never been tested together in select capabilities
The 53rd Test and Evaluation Group at Nellis Air Force
and ultimately undertook testing, evaluation and tactics
Base, Nev., planned and executed a $1.4 million Large Force
development for four TIPs established at the Air Force’s an-
Test Event, Aug. 4-6, 2020, designed to find solutions to
Air Force prioritized Tactics Improvement Proposals for nual Weapons and Tactics Conference (WEPTAC). These
TIPs are #1: 5th Gen SEAD Support Effectiveness for B-2
Suppression of Enemy Air Defense, low-observable ingress, Operations, #12: Advanced Low Observable Ingress Tactics,
and 4th-5th generation electronic attack interoperability. #9: 4th and 5th Gen Joint and Coalition SEAD Contracts,
Principally, this LFTE assessed the tactics and viability and #13: 4th to 5th and 5th to 4th EA Effectiveness.
of the F-35 to provide enhanced SEAD support to LO plat- “Through events like these, we continue to improve our
forms, including the B-2 and RQ-170, within an operation- joint 4th and 5th generation tactics, which enhances our
ally realistic environment. abilities in an advanced threat environment,” said Ellis.
“This exercise is primarily focused on demonstrating LO LFTEs are Air Combat Command’s principal event
platform effectiveness against advanced threats,” said Maj for operational test warfighters to evaluate the suitability
Theodore Ellis, Chief of 53rd Wing Weapons. “We do this Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Kenny Holston and effectiveness of emerging capabilities within an inte-
by utilizing emerging technology and tactics to minimize A B-2 Spirit, taxis down the Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., grated and operationally realistic scenario. Unlike joint or
weaknesses and capitalize on joint capabilities.” flightline prior to takeoff. multiple-platform exercises that focus on the training and
Air Force photograph by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa Additionally, newer 4th generation platform capabilities readiness for units with fielded capabilities, such as Red
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron, Air Force photograph by Zach King were also evaluated in the LFTE. Some scenarios tested 4th ability of leading-edge capabilities and develop TTPs that Flag, LFTEs focus on yet to be fielded hardware, software,
Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., prepare for a flight operation during A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 855th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inspects an HH-60G Pavehawk and 5th generation Joint and Coalition SEAD integration will ultimately strengthen our nation’s air dominance.” and tactics. Results from LFTEs inform a wide range of
Red Flag-Rescue at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Aug. before take-off during Red Flag-Rescue at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Aug. 11, 2020. Red Flag-Rescue contacts, while others examined how the latest unique 4th Participants included the F-35A, F-22, and F-15E from efforts to include capability development and the latest
11, 2020. Red Flag-Rescue is the world’s premier combat search is the world’s premier combat search and rescue training exercise that prepares Airmen and partners for the generation electronic attack capabilities can increase 5th the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron; the B-2 from tactics, with a focus on integration.
and rescue exercise that prepares Airmen and partners for the high-end readiness. During and after the global COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of high-end readiness generation freedom of maneuver in contested environments the 72nd Test and Evaluation Squadron; the RQ-170 from “We fight as an integrated force which means we need
high-end fight in highly contested, degraded environments. has only grown more important, and personnel recovery remains essential. and vice versa. the 44th Reconnaissance Squadron; the E/A-18G from the to test and evaluate our latest capabilities as an integrated
“An event of this size and scope must be heavily sup- Navy’s VX-9 and Naval Aviation Warfighting Development force,” said Creeden. “Put simply, our job is to inform, de-
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman ported by Air Force operational leaders, and this LFTE was Center; and command and control from the 605th Test and velop, and deliver, from idea to premeditated violence, an
Antwon Rodgers, 855th Aircraft no exception,” said Col. Bill Creeden, commander, 53rd Evaluation Squadron. This unique combination of joint integrated tactical advantage to the Combat Air Force for
Maintenance Squadron HH- Test and Evaluation Group. “The investment and trust in platforms maximized the development and evaluation of both tonight, and tomorrow’s potential fight. LFTEs are a
60G Pavehawk crew chief, sits our team allowed the 53rd Wing to evaluate the interoper- a combat-relevant capabilities. primary enabling effort to make this happen.”
on an HH-60G during Red
Flag-Rescue at Davis-Monthan
Air Force Base, Ariz., Aug. 11,
2020. Red Flag-Rescue allowed
aircrew and operators from
across the United States the
opportunity to hone their high-
end readiness. During and after
the global COVID-19 pandemic,
the importance of high-end
readiness has only grown more
Air Force photograph by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa important, and personnel
A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron, Nellis Air Force photograph by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa recovery remains essential.
Air Force Base, Nev., prepares for take-off during Red Flag-Rescue at
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Aug. 11, 2020. Red Flag-Rescue is
the world’s premier combat search and rescue exercise that prepares
Airmen and partners for the high-end fight in highly contested, degraded
environments.

Air Force photograph by Zach King
Air Force photograph by Zach King U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.,
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., perform prepare for take-off during Red Flag-Rescue at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Aug.
pre-flight inspections during Red Flag-Rescue at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Aug. 11, 11, 2020. Red Flag-Rescue is the world’s premier combat search and rescue exercise that
2020. Red Flag-Rescue is the world’s premier combat search and rescue exercise that prepares prepares Airmen and partners for the high-end fight in highly contested, degraded
Airmen and partners for the high-end fight in highly contested, degraded environments. environments.