Red Flag -Alaska From the Air

One of the highlights of our trip to Alaska was the opportunity to fly in one of the tanker aircraft supporting the Red Flag - Alaska exercise. We were originally scheduled to fly early in the trip, during the time we were visiting Eielson AFB, however, bad weather unfortunately caused the cancellation of the entire days flying program. After some reorganisation on our part, and much assistance from TSgt John Gott at the Eielson PAO, we managed to rearrange another trip for later in the trip.

Our day began at Anchorage airport, boarding an early morning flight back to Fairbanks. This time we had the pleasure of flying on a Beech 1900D with Era Aviation. We arrived at Fairbanks to find bright sunshine - the clear skies were slightly deceptive, as we found the temperature was in the order of -18°C!

We were scheduled to fly as part of the afternoon mission, and on arrival at Eielson, after filling out the necessary paperwork, we were soon on our way out to our jet. The aircraft was from the 60th AMW at Travis AFB, but the crew came from both the 60th and 305th AMWs.

After a safety briefing we were on our way to the hold point, and soon airborne. We were airborne for about an hour before our "trade" for the day arrived - a formation of eight F-16s from the 35th FW. We were taken down to the boom operators compartment in pairs to photograph the aircraft taking fuel. I was lucky enough to shoot 3 jets refuelling, all of which carried different weapons loadouts.

First up was a SNIPER equipped aircraft carrying the red fin tip of the 13th FS:

Next up was a SEAD configured jet from the 14th FS, carrying a pair of AGM- 84 HARM missiles.

Last up was a LANTIRN equipped jet, also form the 13th FS:

After our receivers had departed, our tanker remained on station for another hour or so - it was suggested that we may have been rendezvousing with a formation of F-18s, but this did not happen. When the other aircraft taking part in the exercise had landed, it was our turn to return to Eielson and there was just time for a few photos of our crew before it was time to leave, after another superb day.

Thanks are once again due to TSgt John Gott of the Eielson PAO, for the great patience and flexibility he showed in arranging this flight for us. It was an unforgettable experience, and one of the highlights of the trip. Thanks are also due to the crew of GASSY06 for a safe and very interesting flight.

BACK to Alaska Blog

BACK to Military Aircraft Index