Spangdahlem crew keeps pilots ready for action

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Air Force Print News
The 52nd Fighter Wing's Saber Control crew at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, has one mission: To enhance the training of pilots stationed there.

The unit accomplishes this task by training pilots in an environment that mimics what they see and who they talk to while deployed.

"In air time battle, (pilots) talk to more agencies than we can normally train with on a day-to-day basis," said Capt. Carl Dieckman, a Saber Control crew member.

The crew of Saber Control fills this role and simulates these agencies. This training is invaluable and better prepares pilots for missions down range.

"We are a nation at war right now and any way we can contribute to the training of pilots and other members of the organization is going to be a direct contribution to that war," said Maj. Bartz Sykes, a Saber Control instructor. "It also helps our readiness, so we don't have to rely on a training cycle or deployments. We can get great training right here."

In addition to training fighter pilots, the 52nd FW also maintains, deploys and employs F-16CJ Fighting Falcons and A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives.

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