U.S., Malaysian air forces participate in live-flying exercise Published Dec. 7, 2009 By Maj. Sam Highley 13th Air Force Public Affairs HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFNS) -- U.S. and Malaysian airmen participated in a live-flying exercise involving air combat training in Malaysia from Nov. 9 through 20. Members of the 67th Fighter Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, took their F-15 Eagles to TUDM Butterworth, Malaysia, to train with the Royal Malaysian Air Force's MiG-29 Fulcrums and F/A-18 Hornets during Cope Taufan. While there, the two nations' airmen exchanged techniques and procedures to enhance interoperability and cooperation between their air forces. The exercise was the first experience for many of his personnel to train with, and sometimes "against," the MiG-29s and F/A-18s flown by the Malaysians, said Lt. Col. Rob Novotny, the 67th FS commander. "(The Royal Malaysian Air Force) is a very competent and professional force, and the lessons learned are numerous and relevant to modern air combat," Colonel Novotny said. "Training against the MiG-29 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our pilots, and we were fortunate to have some fantastic debriefs with the MiG pilots." The integration between the U.S. and Malaysian participants was nearly seamless, as air-to-air combat philosophies are often cross-cultural, the commander said. "We use different words to describe similar concepts, so once we develop a common language, our employment doesn't skip a beat," he said. The American pilots were able to share a lot with their Malaysian counterparts, in particular aggressiveness in the air and a pursuit of perfection, Colonel Novotny said. Similarly, the Royal Malaysian Air Force members demonstrated their program of instruction for young pilots to the U.S. personnel. "We found that their youngest wingmen and flight leads are very proficient in the basic tasks," Colonel Novotny said. "We flew several dissimilar formations together, and we unanimously agree that flying with the Royal Malaysian Air Force fighters is very easy." Pacific Air Forces has conducted exercises with the Royal Malaysian Air Force since the early 1980s. By participating in exercises with military forces from partner nations in the Asia-Pacific region, the United States demonstrates its commitment to peace and stability in the region.