Hill’s F-16’s to fly in NATO air exercise

Photo By Senior Airman Justin M Fuchs | U.S. Airmen from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, prepare to “put a jet to bed” April 21, 2017, on Albacete Air Base, Spain, after traveling over seven hours in flight from the U.S. to participate in the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP). Training courses like TLP help to enable the NATO alliance by providing an opportunity to work alongside our NATO allies in the classroom and in European airspace. (U.S. Air Force Photo by/ Senior Airman Justin Fuchs)  

ALBACETE, SPAIN

04.26.2017

Story by Senior Airman Justin M Fuchs 

419th Fighter Wing

ALBACETE AIR BASE, Spain – Eight F-16 aircraft and more than 200 Airmen from the active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve 419th FW from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, are currently at Albacete Air Base, Spain, to participate in the NATO Tactical Leadership Programme through May 19.

Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) is an annual NATO Mission Commander’s School training program and is designed to provide joint training to increase NATO air defense with participating allies.

“The Tactical Leadership Program is a good opportunity for all the participating nations to work together,” said Master Sgt. Daniel LaBrake, Combined Aerospace Logistics Coordinator and only enlisted member from the U.S. Air Force stationed at the Spanish air base.
Hill’s fighter wings will participate in training with other NATO allied air forces from ten other countries.

“This is excellent training with some intense air operations and top of the line NATO jets from our coalition allies,” said Lt. Col. Surya Frickel, 466th Fighter Squadron commander.

During the large force exercise, the Hill AFB pilots will fly alongside approximately 20-30 allied aircraft daily and against as many adversaries. Part of the learning that goes on is how to operate safely with the different aircraft and unfamiliar environments, as well as different languages and procedures.

“This exercise is a good example of the United States’ cooperation and long-lasting commitment to the security of Europe and maintaining readiness with our NATO allies,” Frickel said.

Though the wings have been on several training deployments together, this is the first time Utah’s 419th and 388th FWs are participating in TLP.

“Traditionally, squadrons stationed in Europe participate in TLP,” LaBrake said. “So it has been a new challenge to coordinate all of the moving parts so these Airmen can come overseas and get this experience.”

The deployment marks the last time the iconic multi-role fighter is scheduled to deploy from Hill AFB. F-16 aircraft from Hill's fighter wings have been flying over the skies of northern Utah for nearly 40 years.

“This is the last time the F-16 will deploy with the Hill designator ‘HL’ painted on its tail,” said Col. Michael Miles, 388th Maintenance Group commander. “We are extremely proud of the job we have done with the F-16 and we must do our best here at TLP to preserve the memory of the aircraft that is so dear to our hearts.”

Hill’s fleet of F-16s are being replaced by the Air Force’s newest fighter jet, the F-35 Lightning II. The first operational F-35As arrived at Hill AFB in October 2015. Hill currently has 20 F- 35As and will eventually be home to 78 aircraft and three operational squadrons by the end of 2019. The 388th and 419th FWs will fly and maintain the aircraft in a Total Force partnership, which capitalizes on the strength of both components.

• Date Taken: 04.26.2017
• Date Posted: 04.26.2017 11:20
• Story ID: 231606
• Location: ALBACETE, ES