Royal Air Force returns to Barksdale

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
More than 160 Royal Air Force members arrived Jan. 12 to participate in a joint, international exercise; Green Flag East. 

Green Flag is a series of pre-deployment exercises for units that perform close-air support and precision-guided munitions delivery. These exercises are held both here and Fort Polk, La., for the Eastern United States and at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. in the west. 

"The name Green Flag was changed a few years ago from Air Warrior and with that change our mission changed," said Maj. Brendan O'Brien, Commander Det. 1 548th Combat Training Squadron here at Barksdale. "Our mission is to train flying squadrons and Joint Terminal Air Controllers for deployments." 

This is the second trip to Green Flag for many of the RAF Airmen, who are part of the 14 Squadron from RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland. They have brought six GR4 Tornados to perform close air support training missions with the help of 548 CTS. 

"During their training here the RAF will get to see a lot of realistic scenarios that they will be confronted with in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Major O'Brien. "The Joint Readiness Training Center down at Fort Polk, La., has moving target exercises, it is unique training; many places may not have that kind of thing." 

The RAF visit to Barksdale is an opportunity for many Barksdale Airmen to meet, fly and learn with coalition forces. 

"We are excited to have them come back, not only are they good allies to America, but they are good friends here," said Major O'Brien. "I was impressed with their skills and professionalism on their last visit, and I expect the same this time." 

Members of the RAF are also taking this opportunity to meet and learn from U.S. forces as well. 

"We are primarily here to fight as a coalition, and on the other end to gain reconnaissance skills, provide support for our convoys, and to train in order to get our job done with minimal risk," said RAF Wing Cdr. Stephen Reeves, commander of 14 Squadron. 

RAF members are also taking the opportunity to visit some local sights and enjoy the amenities on base. 

"Our stay has been fantastic," said Commander Reeves. "The base has been great; the facilities are really second to none." 

RAF training will continue from now through the end of the month.