Eielson AFB, AK; 09 Apr 08
Photo Album
This page is intended as a companion page to the Red Flag Alaska report here, concentrating on photos from the media day at Eielson AFB.
Our day started out with a visit to the hanger facility of the 18th Aggressor Squadron. As we were visiting their operational maintenance facility, we were somewhat restricted in which aircraft we could photograph. However, we were allowed to photograph one of the flagship aircraft from the unit, which carried the titles of the parent wing of the 18th AS, the 354th FW. The aircraft wears the so-called “Super Flanker” colour scheme, unique to aircraft of the 18th AS.
We were also able to photograph 2 other aggressor jets, one in “Super Flanker” scheme, and the other in the more traditional “Flogger Flanker” scheme.
After our visit to the 18th AS, we headed to the Red Flag Alaska flight line, to view and photograph the Blue Force participants deployed to Eielson. The majority of these were USAF F-16s, from PACAF units. The PACAF units deployed were the 14th FS, 35th FW from Misawa, Japan, and 36th FS, 51st FW from Osan, Korea.
The 36th FS, known as the “Flying Fiends” operate Block 40 F-16C Fighting Falcons, and for the exercise were operating in an air-to-ground role, evidenced by the carriage of targeting pods, principally the LANTIRN system, but some jets were equipped with the newer SNIPER pod.
Amongst the aircraft from the 36th FS was this jet, carrying the markings of the7th AF, complete with “Let’s Roll” artwork.
The 35th FW, home based at Misawa, carry the traditional code WW, standing for Wild Weasel, indicating their primary defence suppression mission. The aircraft deployed to Eielson came from both the 13th and 14th FS, but the personnel deployed were all from the 14th FS.
The aircraft showed some variation in loadout across the aircraft participating. Some carried a specialist defence suppression load consisting of 2 HARM missiles, while others carried a more general ground attack fit, with either LANTIRN or SNIPER pods.
Operating alongside the F-16s were a number of F-18 Hornets, coming from the air forces of Canada and Australia. The RCAF Hornets came from 409 TFS at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta, and did not fly on the day of our visit.
The RAAF Hornets were crewed by 75 Sqn, but carried markings of several squadrons. Interestingly, they carried the LITENING II targeting pod, hinting at a new air to ground role, in addition to their traditional role as fighters.
Completing the line-up of jets on the ramp were 3 Grumman EA-6B Prowlers, providing electronic warfare support for the blue force. Two of the aircraft came from VAQ-133 Wizards at NAS Whitbey Island, WA, and the third from VAQ-209 at Andrews, MD. The VAQ-209 aircraft carried an attractive high vis green colour scheme, while one of the VAQ-133 aircraft also carried a high vis scheme.
The first aircraft to get airborne from Eielson was the KC-10 Extender tanker support, taking off well over an hour ahead of the main formation, ready to refuel the participants en route to their targets.
With the main formation preparing to depart, we headed down to a position close to the control tower which allowed us to shoot the taxiing aircraft, and also the take offs. The first aircraft to get airborne were the F-16s of the 18th AS, closely followed by the rest of the formation.
As well as the PACAF F-16s, a number of jets from the Luke based 61st and 62nd FS, 56th FW, took part, carrying a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground payloads. These aircraft had been housed in some of the shelters on the airfield, so this was the first time we had seen them.
With the departures finished, we headed back to the main ramp. Quickly, it was time for the first aircraft to return - in this case the aggressor F-16s, which carry no external fuel tanks, so their endurance is limited. The arrivals were constant for some time, before the return of the KC-10 signalled the end of the mission.
With the morning mission complete, our day at Eielsen was complete, and we headed off the base, hoping to return the next day, for a potential trip in a KC-10 Extender tanker.
All in all a superb day and a fantastic way to start our Red Flag Alaska adventure. With grateful thanks to TSgt John Gott and AM1 Jonathon Snyder for escorting us throughout the day.
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