LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --
The 41st Airlift Squadron loaded up with crews from the 61st
Airlift Squadron, the 34th Combat Training Squadron, maintainers and equipment into
two C-130J’s for a week of training in Edmonton, Canada.
The Royal Canadian Air Force, along with the 3rd Princess
Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, teamed up with the 19th Airlift Wing to
participate in Canadian exercise Fanatic Pegasus which offered unique
opportunities with our international partners and access to mountainous terrain
and weather not found in Arkansas.
“The goal of participating in Fanatic Pegasus was to
validate and build U.S. and Canada tactical airlift interoperability,” said Capt. Michael Sadler, 41st Airlift Squadron Director of Staff. “The
expeditionary scenario was put in place to better prepare our forces for future
combined operations.”
Little Rock Air Force Base squadrons routinely support
operations all over the world. Participating in another countries exercise
allowed the crews to have a whole new perspective in Combat Airlift.
“Even though we fly the same aircraft, there are a
multitude of ways to employ this weapon system, and it was an incredible chance
to see how our joint partners utilize the C-130J,” said 1st Lt.
Alexander Randall, 41st Airlift Squadron C-130J Pilot. “They have experience
pushing this weapon system to its limit in an environment we don't get see too
often. Flying together through the mountains while practicing airdrops was
challenging, but rewarding; it cultivated a sense of confidence and respect in
each country's abilities, and the unique capabilities each of us can bring to
the fight.”
The Canadians offered many unique challenges that expanded each of the 19th
Airlift Wing’s crews skill set.
“Each country has its own set of tactics, techniques and
procedures,” Sadler said. “This exercise provided us with a unique opportunity
to incorporate each other's methods of employing the C-130J. Additionally, it facilitated an opportunity to
improve our interoperability with our Canadian partners, allowing us to
evaluate and possibly incorporate each other’s methods in future operations.”
Despite challenges such as language barriers, weather delays
and mission execution differences, the training was a success.
“Initial difficulties included the pre-mission communication,
such as approval of a Foreign Jumper waiver which required Air Mobility Command’s
approval,” Sadler said. “We needed to work through a training plan with the
RCAF to ensure each unit was getting the most out of the exercise and we were
all on the same page.”
As the training continued through the week, all personnel involved
gained a better understanding of each other’s mission effectiveness.
“You can't brief too much on the ground,” Randall said. “We
found that while much of the terminology we used was the same, the execution
varied slightly. The flights led to a great discussion of ideas and concepts
that we can use to streamline interoperability in the future.”
The discussions that occurred throughout these unique
exercises became invaluable and continuing to maintain a working rapport with
Canadian forces is crucial to the success of future combined operations.
The aircrews performed low-level tactical flying,
transported equipment and personnel while also navigating the Canadian Rockies.
“These opportunities can be rare,” Sadler said. “We need to
ensure we’re taking advantage of and getting the most out of each event that
allows us to interoperate with one of our strongest allies.”