Guardlife
Volume 30, Number 1

177th Deploys To Red Flag
Story by 2nd Lt. Luz Aponte, 177FW/PAO
Photos by Master Sgt. Don Taggart, 177FW MultiMedia Center

From Feb. 28 to Mar. 13, the 177th Fighter Wing deployed 114 wing members to the peactime battlefield known as the 414th Combat Training Squadron, located at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., to participate in Red Flag.

Red Flag, a combat training exercise, is conducted on Nellis' vast bombing and gunnery ranges. Pilots, intelligence and maintenance personnel along with weapons load teams were among the wing members who deployed for the two-week exercise. Senior Airman Jamie D'Amico, a 177th Intelligence Evaluator and first time Red Flag deployer stated, "It was a very valuable intel training experience to be able to employ precision guided munitions alongside other airframes and our coalition partners."

Red Flag exercises are aimed at maximizing combat readiness, capability and survivability of pilots, crews, and aircraft through simulated combat missions including dropping live munitions. This training plays an important role in preparing pilots for possible wartime situations.

The 177th gained invaluable experience in many areas while operating around the clock to support the exercise. The exercise is part of the wing's preparation for it's deployment later this year.