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RMAF & USAF unite for Majestic Eagle 2013

April 15, 2013 (by SSgt. Stephen Linch) - Airmen from the Royal Moroccan air force and the U.S. Air Force united at Ben Guerir Air Base, Morocco, April 15, for Majestic Eagle 2013, a bi-lateral training exercise, which will continue through till April 26, 2013.

USAF F-16C block 40s #88-0541 & #89-2011 from the 510th FS taxi at Ben Guerir AB during exercise Majestic Eagle 2013 on April 15th, 2013. [USAF photo by SSgt. Stephen Linch]

The exercise brings airmen from both countries together to train on air interdiction, air superiority, air refueling and reconnaissance with the intent of enhancing their interoperability through tactical training.

According to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gerremy Goldsberry, Majestic Eagle 2013 director of operations, interoperability of the air forces is critical.

“As allies, we could be called upon to fight in a conflict together,” Goldsberry said. “Having knowledge of how one another trains and fights gives insight into how we would integrate and operate as a combined force.”

“Each and every airman, Moroccan or American is vital to accomplishing this training,” he added.

Personnel and F-16s from the 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano AB, Italy, and KC-135 Stratotankers from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, are deployed in support of the exercise. More than 150 U.S. airmen are participating in the exercise.

Throughout Majestic Eagle 2013, Moroccan and American airmen will train side by side and learn from one another in preparation of combining their forces against a potential adversary. The goal of the training is to promote cooperation and interoperability between the air forces while enhancing peace, stability and security in the region.

The exercise marks the first time in more than a decade airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing have deployed to Morocco for joint training.


Courtesy of Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa

Additional images:

A1C. Ashley Williams, 510th FS Aircraft Maintenance Unit avionics technician, signals for Capt. Dan Krowinski, 510th FS pilot, to hold in F-16C block 40 #89-2011 during exercise Majestic Eagle 2013 on April 15th, 2013. [USAF photo by SSgt. Stephen Linch]