‘X’ marks the spot for F-22 squadron, AMU

Published Aug. 20, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 95th and the 301st Fighter Squadrons and their respective aircraft maintenance units tested their unrivaled combat power during a base exercise Aug. 11 to 15.
The 95th FS, Tyndall's combat-coded F-22 Raptor squadron, participated in the exercise to improve their deployment capabilities and employment tactical skills.

"Our mission was to demonstrate our ability to fly, fight and win," said Master Sgt. Scott Oberg, 95th AMU F-22 weapons flight chief.

During the first phase of the exercise, members of the 95th FS and 301st FS prepared to deploy as an integrated squadron. In addition, the 95th AMU prepared F-22s to ensure readiness for their simulated deployment to 'Base X.'

At the deployed location, Airmen donned protective gear while working in accordance with the simulated mission oriented protective posture levels during the scenarios.

"Everything was ramped up at 'Base X' just like a real deployment," said Capt. Emily Harris, 95th AMU officer in charge. "Our turn times were tight, and with all the servicing and reloading of munitions, we needed to keep focus. All the different flag levels and scenarios just added pressure to what we have to react to.

"The exercise practiced a skill set we haven't really tested yet in the 95th AMU," Harris added. "It definitely improved our capabilities and gave us a gauge of where we are at. It was the first time we practiced a phase two portion of an exercise, where we deployed and dealt with alarm conditions."

While at 'Base X', the 95th FS and 301st FS flew air tasking order missions and directed defensive counter air missions protecting the bases high value assets.
"All squadrons executed their mission very well throughout the entire exercise," said Maj. Bryan Dick, 301st FS, assistant director of operations and F-22 pilot. "With the help of the 95th AMU providing us with combat-ready jets, we were able to provide air dominance for all ATO missions."

The circumstances may have been simulated, but the exercise provided Airmen the skills they would need for a real-life deployment.

"Working with the additional gear and the 'deployed' mentality brought the downrange perspective to us here at home," said Capt. Andrew Van Timmeren, 95th FS F-22 pilot. "The exercise broadened our perspectives on the challenges that we may face should a conflict arise and we are called for support. We are now more prepared to face those challenges as a unit."

Now that the exercise has concluded, both units know what it will take to deliver air combat power in the future.

"This exercise definitely increased the combat capability of the 95th and 301st Fighter Squadrons," Dick added. "It was a final step in proving that the squadrons are ready to deploy at a moment's notice and project fifth generation combat capability worldwide."