Page 3 - Desert Lightning News So. AZ Edition, March 2021

2 March 2021 Desert Lightning News Desert Lightning News March 2021 3
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we couldn’t find friendlies or identify F-15EX completes first flight
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A-10 pilots awarded trophy for ‘most meritorious flight’

by Ms.
CARoLYN heRRiCk targets.”
For the next hour, he made low over-
355th Wing Public Affairs
head passes that served as a show of force, by Senior Master Sgt. It was announced in August 2020 that the 173rd Fighter
Two Davis-Monthan A-10 fighter pilots in an attempt to stave off the attacks. JeNNiFeR ShiRAR Wing will begin transitioning as the F-15EX formal train-
were awarded the MacKay Trophy at Finally, all of their communication and ing unit in 2024.
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Feb. 18, coordination paid off and they were able 173rd Fighter Wing “Being selected as the F-15EX formal training unit is
for a combat sortie they flew together in to confirm where Afghan friendly forces kiNGSLeY FieLD, ore. — The first F-15EX com- an outstanding mission for the 173rd Fighter Wing,” said
Afghanistan, July 15, 2019. were and engage with the enemy. Two F- pleted its initial flight in St. Louis Feb. 2. The fighter jet Col. Jeff Edwards, 173rd FW commander. “Kingsley (Field
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. 16s also checked on station, and for nearly took off and landed from St. Louis Lambert International Air National Guard Base) is simply an outstanding place
Charles Q. Brown, Jr., presented Lt. Col. six more hours, under enemy fire, Boules Airport, Missouri. to train pilots. The community support is just incredible,
Charles Stretch, Jr., and Capt. Alexander and Stretch waged a diligent battle to and we have some of the best training airspace anywhere.
Boules the award for “the most meritorious enable coordinated strikes against enemy We have a culture of fighter training — we have been in
flight of 2019,” during which the two Air fighters. They refueled midair 11 times the training business for over three decades, in the F-4
Force Academy graduates with very differ- and were ultimately able to save the lives (Phantom), F-16 (Fighting Falcon), F-15C (Eagle), and now
ent levels of experience quickly launched of 12 Afghan SOF members. soon to be F-15EX.”
to support Afghan forces being overrun by Though successful, both pilots came The latest iteration of the F-15 Eagle Mission Design
the Taliban. away with mixed feelings, wishing they Series, the F-15EX features an increased payload capacity,
Boules recalled being extremely nervous could have saved even more lives that fly-by-wire controls, a digital cockpit, modernized sensors,
while taking off on what was his second night. radars and electronic warfare capabilities.
Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa
combat sortie and the first time he had ever From left to right: Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Capt. Alexan- “Sometimes a win doesn’t feel like a Edwards notes the long service life of the F-15EX air-
flown lead. What should have been a night der E. Boules, 354th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, and Lt. Col. Charles win,” said Stretch. “The validation (and) frame — 20,000 flight hours. “That’s a long time, about
mission familiarization flight turned into C. Stretch, 355th Operations Support Squadron commander, stand for a photo at relief that I felt was knowing we tried our double the service the life of an F-15C,” Edwards said. “Not
something totally different. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Feb. 18. Brown presented Boules and Stretch with best and stuck to our training. We gave only is the airframe designed to last for a long time, the
“When we got to the step desk, we re- 100 percent that night and executed in F-15EX also has an ‘open mission system’ which allows the
ceived the message that Afghan special the 2019 MacKay Trophy, for “Most Meritorious Flight,” for a historic combat mis- accordance with what we trained to do computer and avionics software to be more adaptable and
sion they flew over Afghanistan.
operations forces were in trouble and as attack pilots.” more easily updated in the future. This adaptability is key,
needed support ASAP,” said Boules, whose Brown, who presented the prestigious as we know that technology is continuing to accelerate.”
wingman, Stretch, had flown 178 combat “I just kept talking to the (intelligence, “I just kept praying, please get here National Aeronautic Association trophy, When asked about what it was like watching the first
sorties. But, Stretch’s caution light went on surveillance and reconnaissance) aircraft quicker, I need help right now,” Boules praised the two brave pilots, citing tacti- F-15EX flight, Edwards says he was very impressed. “Of
prior to takeoff and Boules had to depart by to try to get some situational awareness,” said. cal excellence, the will to succeed, and course, I’m a big fan of the Eagle, so it’s not difficult for me
himself to the mountainous area of North- said Boules, who applied to the Air Force When Stretch arrived, he was astounded “the absolute refusal to allow obstacles to to get excited about seeing the first F-15EX flight! Seeing
ern Afghanistan. Academy at the last minute in what he by what he saw. get in the way” as the reason they earned the F-15EX fly for the first time really left me thinking:
“Typically, that kind of situation is pretty called “an act of rebellion.” “It was the most Taliban I have seen in the award. ‘Wow! We are going to be flying that jet soon at Kingsley
vanilla,” said Stretch, who was the second That rebellious spirit would serve him my life,” he said. “As the danger of the situation became (Field ANGB), and it’s going to be awesome!’”
most experienced instructor pilot in the well on the battlefield, as he approached Almost immediately, he noticed little red clear, they had the courage and skill to Edwards adds that there is a lot to do as the unit pre-
squadron. what turned out to be an eight-hour en- golf ball-size things flying past his plane. meet the challenge,” Brown said. “To have pares to accept the F-15EX aircraft in 2024. “We will be
Vanilla, it was not. gagement. He was being shot at, but he couldn’t their names associated with (the MacKay in a transition period over the next several years as we
When Boules arrived overhead, he saw As he talked with the ISR aircraft and return fire. Trophy) is truly awesome. These Airmen train F-15C pilots while also preparing for F-15EX; while
what looked like sparklers and laser point- joint terminal attack controllers, he learned “It comes down to discipline and follow- are truly wingmen, leaders, warriors. I this will be a challenging time, we know that we’ve got a
ers in the distance. Over the radio, people Afghan SOF were being killed, captured, ing rules of engagement,” said Stretch, am proud to be here today ... Well done.” Photos Courtesy of Boeing/Eric Shindelbower fantastic community supporting us and an outstanding
were yelling frantically in Pashto. Work- and pinned down by dozens of Taliban with who grew up dreaming of becoming a For the same action, Boules also earned The first U.S. Air Force F-15EX fighter aircraft took its maiden flight Feb. 2, in St. Louis. The 173rd Fighter Wing is team here at the 173rd Fighter Wing.”
ing through language barriers, it became heavy machine gun fire and rocket propelled fighter pilot and had previously deployed the Jabara Award for Airmanship, and scheduled to become the F-15EX Fighter Training Unit in 2024. That team is led by Lt. Col. Nick Huet, 173rd FW F-
apparent that the Afghans were greatly grenades on the ground — and Stretch, his to Syria and Afghanistan. “The Afghans both pilots have been nominated for the 15EX conversion officer. “Ultimately, it’s very rewarding
outnumbered. wingman, was still 15-20 minutes away. really wanted us to shoot something, but Distinguished Flying Cross. to have the opportunity to work on behalf of our wing
Chapel Services and Programs to help secure a long-lasting mission for Kingsley (Field
ANGB) and all the folks that call this base home,” Huet
CSAf (from Page 1) most important thing is our Airmen and said.
how we empower them to make decisions Protestant Sunday Services “Lt. Col. Huet is an outstanding planner, strategic
particularly when we talk about great at the lower level.” (Hope Chapel): Staff
power of competition and future conflict,” Delegating decisions to the lowest levels •Contemporary Service: 9 a.m. Publisher .......................................................................Paul Kinison thinker, and instructor pilot,” Edwards said. “As we tran-
Brown said. is one way the 355th Wing is implement- •Contingency Service (Annex): 10:30 a.m. Business manager ........................................................Lisa Kinison sition to the F-15EX, it was important to select an officer
In addition to the importance of imple- ing Brown’s Action Order that addresses •Gospel Service: 11:30 a.m. Editor ................................................................................ Amy Lamb who had a vision for where we needed to go to be ready
menting ACE through the Dynamic Wing bureaucracy, and allows Airmen at Davis- Advertising representative .........................................Sandi Bueltel for F-15EX — Lt. Col. Huet has that vision.”
concept, Brown also explained his action Monthan to take decisive, timely action Catholic Mass Designer ..........................................................................Tinna Sellie Prior to this position, Huet has held many roles includ-
orders to “Accelerate Change or Lose.” when needed. (Dove Chapel): Published by Aerotech News and Review, Inc. ing director of operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School
“Accelerate change or lose is really Brown also shared his views on the •Daily Mass (Tuesday-Friday): 11:30 a.m. 877- 247-9288 • www.aerotechnews.com graduate, F-22 Raptor and F-15C instructor pilot.
about why I thought we needed change,” importance of working with Industry part- •Saturday Mass: 5 p.m. Aerotech News and Review prepares all editorial content for Desert Lightning “I work with designated representatives from all groups
Brown said. “The action orders are the ners to improve innovation within the Air •Sunday Contingency Mass: 8 a.m. News. The editor will edit or rewrite submitted material for clarity, brevity or to within the wing and together we navigate the conversion
process,” Huet said. “As the first base to receive the F-
things I wanted to focus on. A-Airmen, Force and improve units’ ability to combat •Sunday: Dove Chapel 10 a.m. conform to the Associated Press Style Guide, local policy and Air Force style as re- 15EX, our conversion will set the standard for all bases
B-Bureaucracy, C-Competition and D- airpower and support. Livestream Services: quired by Air Force Instruction 35-101. Contributions for Desert Lightning News to follow — my game plan is for Kingsley to establish a
Design Implementation. All four of those “It’s about using the Airmen’s ideas, •Facebook: Davis-Monthan Chapel can be emailed to the editor at amy@aerotechnews.com. Submission deadlines are bed down model that no other wing will be able to match!”
the 15th day prior to the month of publication. Submissions will be based on space
are important to ensure that Airmen have working with some of our industry part- •You Tube: Davis-Monthan AFB Chapel available and priority. Desert Lightning News uses information from Davis-Monthan
During the first F-15EX flight, the aircraft was piloted
what they need in order to do their jobs.” ners, whether big or small, and making Protestant and Catholic Religious Air Force Base website, the Armed Forces Information Service, Air Force News Ser- by Matt Giese, Boeing F-15 chief test pilot, who checked
These action orders direct Airmen to as- it easier to connect, collaborate and take Senior Airman Nicholas Ross Education: vice, Air Combat Command, staff writers and other sources. All advertising is han- the avionics, advanced systems and software.
sess what is most important, challenge the advantage of all the technological capabili- From left to right: Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Airman 1st •Protestant Women of the Chapel (via Zoom) dled by Aerotech News and Review. For business advertising, call 877-247-9288 or Proving again that the “eagle drivers’’ come from a small
status quo and make necessary changes to ties and innovation that can help us be a Class Robert O’Neill, 355th Component Maintenance Squadron electronics techni- •Protestant Men of the Chapel (in person) email Sandi Bueltel at sbueltel@aerotechnews.com. For classified advertising, email community, Edwards and Giese go way back. “Matt and I
remain ready for tomorrow’s fight. better Air Force in the future,” Brown said. cian, and Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Tottle, 355th CMS schedule maintenance su- •Protestant Youth of the Chapel (via Zoom) classifieds@aerotechnews.com. were in the same cadet squadron at the Air Force academy,”
The latest Dynamic Wing exercise saw Brown encouraged leaders to balance perintendent, pose at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Feb. 18. O’Neill was presented •AWANA (via Zoom) Desert Lightning News is published by Aerotech News and Review, a private firm in Edwards said. “It’s awesome to see him flying the F-15EX
more than 150 Airmen from the 355th the needs of the mission and the needs of with a coin from Brown and was also notified of selection for promotion to Senior •Catholic RE and Sacramental Preparation no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under written agreement with the 355th and being on the leading edge of the future of the Eagle.”
Fighter Wing. Contents of Desert Lightning News are not necessarily the official views
Wing trained to fill roles far outside their their Airmen, providing advice to the non- Airman Below the Zone. classes: Sunday 11 a.m. (in person) of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense or the Depart- Two F-15EX fighters should be delivered to Eglin Air
assigned Air Force Specialty Codes, to commissioned and company-grade officers. •Catholic Women of the Chapel: Tuesday noon ment of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including Force Base, Florida by the end of the first quarter of 2021.
include weapons handling, self-aid buddy “Each of our leaders needs to know and kryptonite and how you can build your go miles for you if you show that type of and Thursday 6 p.m. (in person) inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services Eight pre-production aircraft were ordered in July 2020, to
care and other critical combat capabilities. understand what their superpowers are team around it. Yes, we have to get the leadership style.” •Catholic Men of the Chapel: First/third Satur- advertised by the DLN, DOD, Air Force or Aerotech News and Review. Everything allow the military and the manufacturer to test and fully
“During my lunch with Airmen, we and how that helps contribute to your mission done, but if we don’t take care Through implementation of Brown’s day 8 a.m. (in person) advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patron- define their applications. The Air Force plans to eventually
discussed bureaucracy and how we get to leadership style and the Airmen that you of our Airmen and their families, the Action Orders, the men and women of For more information visit Davis-Monthan Cha- age without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, acquire at least 144 F-15EX fighters.
a yes in the areas that we think are im- have the privilege to lead,” Brown said. mission will falter. That is probably the Davis-Monthan continue to lead the Air pel Facebook page or call 520-228-5411. physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchase, “The F-15EX will secure the future of Kingsley (Field
portant to our Air Force,” Brown said. “The “At the same time, you have to know your most important part — your Airmen will Force in preparing for the high-end fight. user or patron. ANGB) for many more years,” Edwards added.