Personnel from 47 Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton have been training with coalition partners on Exercise RED FLAG Alaska 2022.
Four crews with a single C-130J Hercules have deployed to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, from where they have flown up to 11 hours each day thanks to a near 100% serviceability rate provided by the hard work of RAF Engineers.
With one of the largest aerial ranges available in the world, and the latest ground and air threats, Red Flag Alaska offers unrivalled training opportunities. Over 70 other aircraft are taking part which requires RAF crews to spend up to 12 hours planning each mission, placing great emphasis on coordination with the other aircraft flying on the exercise in order to achieve mission objectives and win the air war.
Sorties flown have included supporting 15 Squadron RAF Regiment who, in concert with Tactical Air Traffic Controllers, have enabled operations on a remote and austere gravel airstrip. Resupplies of food, water and ammunition have been airdropped with despatch crews from 47 Air Despatch Squadron Royal Logistics Corps, also based at RAF Brize Norton.
"47 Squadron are very privileged to participate in Exercise RED FLAG Alaska and we are grateful to the US Air Force for the world-class training they have provided. The exercise has hammered home the lesson that fighting a modern air war is about team-work and cooperation within a large package of aircraft, and with partners on the ground and domains like cyber.
This Exercise will help my crews in future. We’ve also been joined by aircrew from the RAF’s A400 Force, in anticipation of the Atlas attending similar exercises in future."
Wing Commander Sjoberg
Officer Commanding 47 Squadron
No Ordinary Job
Read more about what it takes to be an Air Traffic Controller or RAF Engineers in the RAF.
Read more about the C-130J Hercules
Listen to what Exercise RED FLAG is like from a Fighter Pilots point of view
