37th Bomb Squadron returns from Red Flag

  • Published
  • By Airman Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  B-1 bomber aircrews assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron and support personnel recently returned from an exercise Feb. 3, designed to test their ability to survive and operate in a wartime environment.

The exercise, known as Red Flag, was a live combat simulation that took place at the Nevada Test and Training Range. The 37th BS participated in realistic aerial war games, among other scenarios which included the use of enemy hardware and live ammunition for bombing exercises within the NTTR.

"The main objective this time around was training our five new mission commanders, said Lt. Col. Brian Mead, 37th BS commander. "Our new mission commanders are now qualified to lead air combat missions, fulfill air tasking orders and execute everything in real time.

Airmen gained valuable combat training against an organized enemy and developed key partnerships with participating allied forces.

"It was a good opportunity for our Airmen to train in a high-threat environment," said Mead. "I feel we were able to gain experience working side-by-side other allied forces."

Mead added that scenarios practiced during Red Flag are extremely valuable and will be utilized by the bomb squadron in the long haul.

"Red Flag has been around since 1975 for a reason," said Mead. "It gives our Airmen and pilots a chance to make mistakes in a combat situation and learn from them quickly."

Since 1975 Air Force aircrews, other U.S. military branches and allies have taken part in one of several Red Flag exercises, each of which is two weeks in duration.