Airmen gain experience while supporting Canadian military training

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chris Powell
  • Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma (AFNS) --  More than 50 Canadian airmen and six CF-18 Hornets deployed to Altus Air Force Base to conduct forward air control training with the Canadian army March 8 through 23 here.

Altus AFB Airmen provided an estimated more than 50,000 gallons of fuel, air traffic control and radio approach control support, as well as medical, communications and maintenance support on standby.

"Our primary mission here is to support the Canadian airmen as they support the Canadian army downrange," said Maj. Steven Martinez, the 97th Operations Support Squadron assistant director of operations. "It gives us a chance for training that we otherwise don't get. Our air traffic controllers aren't used to seeing fighters. Now they have a chance to see what the differences are between them and the C-17 Globemasters and KC-135 Stratotankers, so when they deploy, they have that training that may help them."

That experience is beneficial not only for the air traffic control Airmen straight out of technical training school, but also for the controllers who have been assigned to Altus AFB for several years.

"The only opportunities I've had to work with fighters are when the Canadians come to train," said Senior Airman Justin Ohm, an air traffic controller. "It mixes things up here, and it makes it better for our training because the trainees get to see a different type of aircraft.
Having them here really helps us, especially to better prepare us for deployments."

The benefits don't stop with the air traffic controllers, though.

Airmen who provided fuel support to the Canadian air force were able to see the differences between fueling a fighter aircraft and "heavies" like the C-17s and KC-135s they service everyday.

"There are a lot of the potential dangers we encounter with a fighter aircraft, like munitions that we don't experience with the C-17s or KC-135s," said Michael Ingram, a fuels service center day-shift leader.

"Also, when you are refueling a fighter aircraft, you'll have to use the same fueling truck to refuel several aircraft. It's a smaller aircraft, so there's a lot more you have to think about."

While the training for Altus AFB Airmen is an obvious benefit, they're also receiving invaluable experience with an allied nation that may come in handy when they deploy.

"We're already operating side by side overseas," said Canadian Capt. Eric Rheaume, the 425th Tactical Fighter Squadron maintenance officer. "This just amplifies the fact that we're allies, and we're going to support each other as much in the real world as in our training to prepare for those missions overseas."

This marks the second time the 425th TFS from the Canadian Forces Bagotville in Quebec, Canada, has conducted the training at Altus AFB.