ISTAR at Red Flag Alaska

A vital part of any Red Flag exercise is the provision of airborne command and control aircraft, part of the so-called ISTAR assests (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Aquisition and Reconnaissance). During the Red Flag Alaska exercise, this capability was provided by E-3 Sentry aircraft from several units and nations, all based at Elmendorf AFB. From the USAF came aircraft from the locally based 962nd ACCS, part of the 3rd Wg, and also from the 961st ACCS, part of the 18th Wg from Kadena AFB, who sent a single aircraft to participate.

In addition to the American aircraft, a single aircraft made the journey from RAF Waddington to represent the RAF in the exercise. The RAF Sentries are regular participants in Red Flag exercises, and flew most days in support of blue force operations. We were invited as guests of the 34 EAW, RAF Waddington to view their Sentry up close as the ground crew prepared it for an afternoon Red Flag sortie.

The aircraft carries the markings of 3 squadrons - on the tail is the Arabian dagger of 8 Sqn, and the red eagle of 23 Sqn representing the operational squadrons, who each sent a single crew to Elmendorf. In addition, the aircraft have recently received the crest of 54 Sqn, now the ISTAR training unit, and the crest of the NATO Airborne Early Warning Force, alongside the long standing crest of the City of Lincoln, carried on Waddington based aircraft for many years.

In addition to the external tour, we were also allowed to view some of the internal workstations in the Sentry. Inside, it is a surprisingly roomy aircraft, and appears to be a comfortable and well designed working environment.

The Sentry is a vital part of the Red Flag exercise, and also plays a vital role in the current and future operational commitments of both the USAF and its coalition partners such as the UK. The provision of airborne command and control, along with early warning of enemy activity, requires a specialised aircraft, and the Sentry is premier aircraft in its category.

With grateful thanks to Pat McGuiness of the 34th EAW, and Sgt Jared Marquis of the Elmendorf Public Affairs Office.

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