Canadian Airmen are participating with Reserve Airmen in a joint international exercise known as ChumEx.

As a yearly event, 93rd Fighter Squadron officials here invite air force fighter units with dissimilar aircraft from allied nations to play “war games” and practice dogfighting skills.

This year, the 425th Tactical Fighter Squadron from Bagotville, Canada, was the first unit to arrive, bringing five CF-18 Hornets and 15 ground crewmembers to begin the exercise.

We “throw out the bait and stir up the fight, which is why it is referred to as ChumEx,” said Lt. Col. Mike Lesman, a pilot with the 93rd Fighter Squadron.

One of the major aspects of ChumEx is the dogfighting, where the pilots go up in a six vs. eight or six vs. 10 flying formation. The pilots from both units take turns playing the role of an adversary, or Red Air, simulating a MiG-29 or Su-27.

Not only is this a positive training experience for the pilots, but it also resembles a real-world scenario where Americans would serve alongside fellow coalition pilots in a NATO or multinational mission.

“It is important for us to continue these types of exercises with our American brothers,” said Maj. Sylvain Menard, a CF-18 pilot with the 425th.

“Not only is there an exchange of knowledge, but we enjoy the social aspect as well,” he said.

The training provides a “ton of experience,” said Capt. Aaron Macluskie, another CF-18 pilot with the 425th.

The good weather seemed important as well.

“It is 30 below back in Canada,” he said.

The next unit to arrive for ChumEx in the monthlong training will be the 441st Tactical Fighter Squadron from Cold Lake, Canada. In total, 87 Canadian Airmen will be involved in the exercise.

Another incentive in ChumEx is the familiarization rides the pilots will receive. The American F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots will have the opportunity to fly in the Canadian CF-18s and vice versa.

After a busy hurricane season, followed by a four-month deployment to Iraq, the Airmen here said they are happy to get some realistic training done while the weather is good.

“It’s great to have our buddies from Canada down here,” Colonel Lesman said.

ChumEx continues at Homestead ARB until mid-March.