F-16 Fighting Falcon News

December 3, 2008 (by TSgt. Michael O'Connor) - Thirteen F-16 Fighting Falcons from 555th Fighter Squadron and approximately 250 Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Italy, returned home Nov. 24 after taking part in the Nickel Javelin 2008 exercise in Bulgaria.
The 26-day exercise, which began Oct. 30, provided Aviano Airmen an opportunity to conduct bilateral training with the Bulgarian air force and ground forces. The exercise afforded U.S. fighter pilots a unique opportunity to train against the Mig-21 and Mig-29 fighters, which for many pilots, is a rare opportunity, whereas the Joint Tactical Air Controllers on both sides were integrated into the training as well providing an opportunity to train the way they would operate down range in a joint environment.

"Training against these particular foreign fighter aircrafts is a first-time experience for quite a few of our pilots and provided great training," said Capt. Michael Roberson, 555th FS pilot and assistant project officer for the base's involvement in the exercise.

The exercise consisted of daily air-to-air flying training with Mig-21 and Mig-29 fighters from as basic as dog-fighting to large force employment exercises where U.S. and Bulgarian fighter pilots would integrate in one large package to put effects on target. Close-air-support missions with the Bulgarian air forces and U.S. ground forces were also conducted to put live or inert ordnance both out of a gun and from bombs coming off of the aircraft on target.

"The Bulgarians are spectacular in the air and were brought up on different training then they're using right now in NATO," said Lt. Col. Bob Winker, 555th FS commander. "I wouldn't necessarily look at these as challenges, but unique opportunities to shape the way the Bulgarians train today and in the future."

Airman Andrea Sanchez, 555th FS squadron aviation resource management office, said working with the Bulgarian air force was a great experience.

"There were a lot of questions from both sides about the similarities and differences of the same job we do," said Airman Sanchez. "We would have similar situations going on at the operations desk and very different outcomes and ways to handle the situation.

"The Bulgarians are a great group of people, very funny and outgoing, and receptive to anything that we were willing to show them, as was I with what they were willing to show me."

Colonel Winkler said the challenges of working with the Bulgarians are about the same as you would have working with any NATO partner such as speaking and understanding each other's languages and the differences in how training is conducted.

"I think joint training builds character for us and whoever we visit and train with," said Airman Sanchez. "It gives us another perspective on the way they live and train, how to handle situations that might arise, and gives us the chance to support each other's mission. Everyone comes out of it knowing just a little more information about what our allies are about."

Last year's exercise between the 510th FS and the Bulgarian air force was basic in nature. This year's exercise proved much better as the Bulgarians and Aviano Airmen both improved in the integration and in the stand alone tactics and operations portions of the exercise.

"It's been fantastic working with the Bulgarians and they've been wonderful hosts," said Colonel Winkler. "They've really done a great job of making us feel welcome here this year and they've been great hosts to the Airmen from Aviano Air Base each time we've come here. The bilateral training we're doing with our Bulgarian NATO partners will benefit both us and the United States of America"