Exercise Red Flag: Work up Phase at Alaska Concluded and main Phase to begin Work up phase for Ex Red Flag concluded on 27 Apr 16 at Eielson AFB Alaska. The team was able to systematically achieve all the objectives laid down for this phase and is shaping up well to participate in the Main Conduct Phase scheduled from 03 May 16. After inducting and deploying successfully earlier, the contingent has flown a variety of missions during the Work-up phase termed as Distant Frontier. The team adopted a philosophy of Crawl, Walk & Run signifying a progressive build up in the effort, pace and complexities of training sorties that were flown through the Work-up phase. The intent during the distant frontier phase was to expose the participating members, especially aircrew, to an international environment and familiarize then with Local flying procedures, Radio telephony terminologies, NATO Brevity codes and Airspace/ Environmental peculiarities. It is noteworthy that the local F-16 aggressor squadron has appreciated the performance of the Indian Air Force crew in the multiples missions conducted so far. Eielson AFB, where the contingent is presently deployed, is located 26 miles south east of Fairbanks town and it boasts of having one of the best operating environment in the USA. The base apart from housing the elite 18th aggressor sqn of USAF which is flying the F16 aircraft. In addition, the base also has a KC-135 Sqn and the Air National Guard element apart from a host of other facilities. For the main exercise, the IAF fighters will be fielded alongside the best ac of USAF/USN such as F-22 , F-16 , F-15 and F-18. As part of the operational support platforms Indian Air Force IL-78 FRA & USAF KC-135 FRA will be deployed. It may be recalled, that the IAF contingent had set off for exercise Red Flag from Air Force Station Jamnagar, on 03 Apr 16 with SU-30 MKI, Jaguar,C-17 and IL-78 Flight Refueling Aircraft. The exercise will be held till 13 May 2016. The opening welcome address for Red Flag Alaska 16-1 was delivered by Lt General Russell, Commander Alaskan Command, USA on 28 Apr 16 at the Red Flag Ops Complex.
