Aircraft and personnel from RAF Marham’s 617 Squadron joined colleagues from across the RAF as they commenced a large scale training exercise this week named Exercise CRIMSON WARRIOR. Also joining the exercise were F-35 aircraft from the United States Marines Corps VMFA-211 Squadron who arrived in the UK at the beginning of September to train alongside UK F-35 jets based at RAF Marham.
CRIMSON WARRIOR is a critical element of 617 Squadron and VMFA 211’s preparation for the Carrier Strike Group deployment next year, providing high end training against realistic threats and scenarios. It also enables the further development of UK Combat Air 5th and 4th generation interoperability with UK Typhoons and Lakenheath based USAF F15’s. Also participating in the exercise is the Voyager Aircraft from RAF Brize Norton who will be providing vital re-fuelling support to all aircraft.
Ex CRIMSON WARRIOR is the culmination of a number of training exercises that have taken place over the last few months working with a number of NATO partners to enhance the interoperability and to demonstrate the readiness to deploy proven capabilities.
“The last few months have seen a period of intensive training for the Squadron having conducted Group Ex and Ex Joint Warrior from HMS Queen Elizabeth alongside our United States Marine Corp and NATO colleagues. We are looking forward to putting the skills and qualifications that we have gained to the test in Exercise CRIMSON WARRIOR to show that we are ready to deploy on Carrier Strike Group 21 next year.”
Officer Commanding 617 Squadron
Cdr Sparrow
