27 May 2021

Checkered Flag 21-2 Aerial Refueling

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Sage, 328th Aerial Refueling Squadron boom operator, provides fuel to a QF-16 assigned to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, over the Gulf of Mexico during Checkered Flag 21-2, May 12, 2021. Held twice per fiscal year, the exercise directly supported the Air Combat Command commander’s plan to train the Immediate

26 May 2021

Air control: integral in successful execution of Checkered Flag 21-2

Executing large-scale exercises like Checkered Flag, AGILE FLAG and the Weapon System Evaluation Program can be a daunting task, but the 81st Air Control Squadron assigned to Tyndall Air Force base is up for the challenge. Senior Airman Bryce Cox, 81st ACS weapons director, originally from Jefferson, Ohio has been at Tyndall since 2018. Unlike many who didn’t or couldn’t choose their career field, Bryce had the opportunity and specifically chose command and control battle management operations.

25 May 2021

A Day in the Life of an F-35A Lightning II pilot

U.S. Air Force Capt. “Murf” Zillweger, 34th Fighter Squadron F-35A Lightning II pilot, prepares for take-off at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 20, 2021. Checkered Flag 21-2 is a large-scale aerial exercise designed to integrate fourth-generation aircraft like the F-15E Strike Eagle and fifth-generation airframes like the F-35 to enhance