Photo By Sgt. Scyrrus Corregidor | Two U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF...... read more read more
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RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- Pilots assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, landed two F-35 Lightning II aircraft on Hosio Highway, Finland, Sept. 4.
The pilots successfully landed on the strip of highway less than 100 feet wide as a part of BAANA24, a Finnish Air Force road base exercise. The landing marks the first time the U.S. has landed a fighter aircraft on a highway in Finland .
“Landing on a highway is just a first step in how we will execute ACE,” said Lt. Col. Dustin Merritt, 493rd FS director of operations. “This is only going to make our connection and relationship moving forward stronger as we become more dynamic and confident alongside our Finnish counterparts.”
Along with the challenges a narrow path brings, pilots must also master their ability to touchdown in their designated landing zone and safely apply brakes on the shorter landing strip Hosio highway offers.
“Proving that we can execute a short field landing in these fifth-generation fighters is paramount in building confidence and showcasing our capability to reach austere landing sites when performing ACE operations,” said Capt. Jordan Kendall, 493rd FS F-35 pilot.
Once the pilots both successfully landed, six 493rd Fighter Generation Squadron maintainers where on the scene to perform initial checks of the aircraft. The Finnish Air Force maintenance and operational support teams maintained command and control as well as the responsibility to perform emergency response procedures if necessary.
After initial checks, the 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron stepped in and conducted the first hot pit refueling of a U.S. Air Force F-35A on a highway in Europe.
“Although there were some changes made to the plan in real time, it worked out perfectly in the end as we worked together to accomplish this historic operation,” said Capt. Austin Rohlman, 493rd FGS director of operations. “We have brought back a trove of information on how the Finnish Air Force stays flexible and agile and have developed successful relationships at the tactical level with our peers.”
The presence of RAF Lakenheath F-35As training alongside Finnish Allies demonstrates that U.S. forces are fully prepared and postured to work seamlessly with NATO Allies and partners in the region to enhance the Alliance's security.
“We know the Finnish have been operating from this highway and have an established process,” said Merritt. “If they’re doing it, we want to be able to do the same thing, as this capability will only increase our flexibility and make our operations less predictable for our adversaries.”
Agile Combat Employment is a proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver executed to increase survivability while generating combat power. The doctrine focuses on collaboration with partners during in high-intensity situations to boost readiness, responsiveness, and interoperability.
“We’re taking ACE as a concept and proving its application,” said Kendall. “We’re building confidence in ourselves and our NATO Allies as we build ACE into tactical gameplans.”
| Date Taken: | 09.04.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.05.2024 02:58 |
| Story ID: | 479932 |
| Location: | RAF LAKENHEATH, SUFFOLK, GB |
| Web Views: | 310 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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