Team effort impacts Red Flag-Alaska

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Boitz
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) --  American servicemembers along with NATO military members joined forces to conduct simulated combat environments during Exercise Red Flag-Alaska that runs April 16 through May 1 here.

One example of that teamwork during the exercise is the life support section where Airmen and Sailors work alongside to help the exercise run smoothly.

Red Flag-Alaska provides joint offensive counter-air, interdiction, close-air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. The life support section handles everything the pilots need in order to survive from the point of ejection to the rescue and return of the pilot to home station.

"It's a really good experience being able to work beside other Airmen and Sailors," said Airman 1st Class Carl Covington, an aircrew flight equipment journeyman assigned to the 35th Operations Support Squadron from Misawa Air Base, Japan. "We all have a similar training background which makes it easier to work on the array of gear that the pilots use during Red Flag-Alaska."

Not only does their training help one another, but also it demonstrates the interoperability part of what Red Flag-Alaska is all about. Downrange isn't the time to figure out how to work together with joint forces, and Red Flag-Alaska provides solid grounds for opportunities to interact successfully.

"We're a big family here at Red Flag-Alaska," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Villarreal, an aviation life support equipment technician assigned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. "It doesn't matter what branch or country you're from, we help each other out any way possible."

Some of the survival equipment life support provides the pilots with are: helmet and oxygen masks, pilot communications, g-suits, night-vision goggles, parachutes, compass, flares, infra-red beacons, Global Positioning System and a radio.

"We've been able to share stories and trade different experiences," Airman Covington said. "It's really interesting learning how the Navy and other Airmen at different bases prepare their pilots survival gear. Getting to learn how everyone operates shows you what it's like to be downrange and creates an excellent learning atmosphere."

The diversity of the team extends beyond daily interactions and shared experiences, there's a foundation of trust that is built at the core of the section.

"Being that we're not at our naval installation, we don't have access to all parts and tools that we typically would," Petty Officer Villarreal said. "If something big were to happen, we would rely on our Air Force team members to help us out and would fix the problem through combined efforts.

"It's nice knowing that we have each other's backs whatever the case may be," he added. 

The lessons and experiences learned during Red Flag-Alaska can help participants long after they leave Alaska.

"It gives everyone a chance to grow professionally," Petty Officer Villarreal said. "Red Flag-Alaska gives the life support section a chance to work on several issues, as a team, to complete the mission. I plan on taking what I've learned here back to my home station to share with others."

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