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ACC revives competition through virtual airspace
October 20, 2008 (by
MSgt. Steven Goetsch) -
Air Combat Command hosted combat teams virtually from across the Air Force for the first-ever Distributed Mission Operations Turkey Shoot Sept. 22-26.
Teams assembled from Shaw and Tinker Air Force Bases, Misawa and Spangdahlem Air Bases and McEntire Joint Air National Guard Base competed in scenarios that challenged the teams in all aspects of Combat Air Force culture.
The 157th Fighter Squadron from McEntire Joint Air National Guard Base was the overall winner of the Turkey Shoot competition. . They partnered with the 963d Airborne Air Control Squadron to take top honors.
The 13th Fighter Squadron team from Misawa took the Top F-16 squadron and base award.
Lt. Col Mike Manning, 157th Fighter Squadron operations officer, attributed the victory of his McEntire Air National Guard team to the experience level of the pilots.
"One of the benefits of the Air National Guard is the ability to develop a broad experience base and solid understanding of how to tactically employ our aircraft and weapons since we have very little turnover of personnel," said Colonel Manning.
In addition to the aggressive scenarios given to the teams, the preparation was also "virtual" in nature, as fighter, bomber and Airborne Warning and Control Systems teams linked up to receive mission briefs by video teleconference.
Aircrews were graded on their adaptation to the challenging scenario, aggressive surface and air threats, and teamwork. Although the entire scenario lasted 60 to 70 minutes, the participating teams stepped up and enjoyed the challenge.
"Air Combat Command developed a scenario that F-16 pilots around the world could all fly in," said Captain Lawrence Sullivan, 13th Fighter Squadron pilot and Turkey Shoot project officer for Misawa Air Base. "It was designed to be the most difficult and dangerous combat mission we would ever see, one in which F-16s and B-1 (Lancer) bombers were tasked to destroy targets defended by droves of highly advanced enemy fighters and surface-to-air missile systems. Since everyone had to face the same threats, they could develop a scoring system that would show who the best in the world actually are."
All aircrews came away winners by receiving realistic, leading-edge training. "The event was an outstanding success and demonstrated dedication in honoring the Air Force's storied history of competition," said Major Gen. Frank Gorenc, ACC Director of Air and Space Operations. "The scenario was diabolical, the scores were close, and the demonstrated teamwork between our F-16 and AWACS aircrews was a remarkable tribute to the strength of our Combat Air Force."
Colonel Manning explained the reason flying competitions in a Mission Training Center [simulator], are important is they provide pilots an opportunity to fly against threats they wouldn't see in actual flight training.
A first-hand view from the cockpit of a simulator used during the Air, Space and Information Operation's first Air Combat Command Combat Air Force-wide Distributed Mission Operations Turkey Shoot.
The 157th Fighter Squadron from McEntire Joint Air National Guard Base was the overall winner of the Turkey Shoot competition. . They partnered with the 963d Airborne Air Control Squadron to take top honors.
The 13th Fighter Squadron team from Misawa took the Top F-16 squadron and base award.
Lt. Col Mike Manning, 157th Fighter Squadron operations officer, attributed the victory of his McEntire Air National Guard team to the experience level of the pilots.
"One of the benefits of the Air National Guard is the ability to develop a broad experience base and solid understanding of how to tactically employ our aircraft and weapons since we have very little turnover of personnel," said Colonel Manning.
In addition to the aggressive scenarios given to the teams, the preparation was also "virtual" in nature, as fighter, bomber and Airborne Warning and Control Systems teams linked up to receive mission briefs by video teleconference.
Aircrews were graded on their adaptation to the challenging scenario, aggressive surface and air threats, and teamwork. Although the entire scenario lasted 60 to 70 minutes, the participating teams stepped up and enjoyed the challenge.
"Air Combat Command developed a scenario that F-16 pilots around the world could all fly in," said Captain Lawrence Sullivan, 13th Fighter Squadron pilot and Turkey Shoot project officer for Misawa Air Base. "It was designed to be the most difficult and dangerous combat mission we would ever see, one in which F-16s and B-1 (Lancer) bombers were tasked to destroy targets defended by droves of highly advanced enemy fighters and surface-to-air missile systems. Since everyone had to face the same threats, they could develop a scoring system that would show who the best in the world actually are."
All aircrews came away winners by receiving realistic, leading-edge training. "The event was an outstanding success and demonstrated dedication in honoring the Air Force's storied history of competition," said Major Gen. Frank Gorenc, ACC Director of Air and Space Operations. "The scenario was diabolical, the scores were close, and the demonstrated teamwork between our F-16 and AWACS aircrews was a remarkable tribute to the strength of our Combat Air Force."
Colonel Manning explained the reason flying competitions in a Mission Training Center [simulator], are important is they provide pilots an opportunity to fly against threats they wouldn't see in actual flight training.
Courtesy of Air Combat Command Public Affairs
Additional images:
Capt. Jeffrey Schneider, Capt. Eric Freienmuth, and Capt. Michael Driscoll, pilots from the 13th FS walk off the flight line on October 16th, 2008. They won the award for best fighter squadron and wing during a 'virtual' air combat exercise flown from simulator cockpits around the globe. [USAF photo by SSgt. Araceli Alarcon]
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