Elmendorf AFB, AK; 15 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 Elmendorf AFB.

Unlike the original Red Flag at Nellis, particiants in the Alaskan exercise are spread over 2 bases, seperated by several hundred miles. Most of the participating aircraft are based at Eielson AFB, near Fairbanks, but a number of aircraft are based at Elmendorf AFB, near Anchorage.

Our visit to Elmendorf began with a question and answer session with participating pilots and the organisers of the exercise, before moving on to view the flightlines, where F-15 Eagles form the 33rd FW, detached from Eglin AFB, Florida were being prepared for the Red Flag mission.

After viewing the start-ups, we headed up to the fire station, where we were able to photograph the participating aircraft, taxiing and departing.

In additon to the F-15s, we also photographed F-22 Raptors from the locally based 7th Wg, who were also taking part in Red Flag Alaska.

The Elmendorf based Raptors were supplemented by aircraft from the 43rd FS at Tyndall AFB, who also participated in the exercise.

As well as the 33rd FW Eagles, there were also missions from the locally based 7th Wg F-15s, who were very active during the day. Most of the aircraft took off using full reheat, which looked spectacular against the dark background of the trees.

Also based at Elmendorf was this UC-12 King Air, which flew several circuits.

One of the last fighters to launch was this F-15D, carrying a passenger on an "incentive ride", and making a particularly spectacular departure.

All too soon, it was time for the aircraft to return, with the F-15s returning first, along with a pair of Raptors, one of which had a minor technical problem.

As we were watching the recoveries, the weather deteriorated significantly, and we were eventually forced to retreat inside!

This was another superb day of photography, made possible by the USAF, with particular thanks to Sgt Jared Marquis and Sgt Mikel Canfield from the Elmendorf AFB Public Affairs Office, for escorting us during the day.

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