Red Flag 16-2

An Ellsworth Air Force Base B-1 bomber makes its way to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Feb. 25, 2016. Nellis hosts the Red Flag exercise, which includes more than 100 different aircraft and squadrons that train together to maximize combat readiness. Red Flag 16-2 will be a two-week exercise that aims to train crews in air, space and cyberspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James L. Miller/Released)

Red Flag 16-2

An Ellsworth Air Force Base B-1 bomber takes off from the flightline at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., Feb. 25, 2016. The B-1 is participating in the 41st Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag is an exercise that simulates a deployed environment, allowing participating units realistic training in a combined air, ground, space and electronic threat environment while providing a free exchange of ideas between forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James L. Miller/Released)

Ellsworth B-1s take off to participate in Red Flag 16-2

Published March 3, 2016
By Airman 1st Class James L. Miller
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Ellsworth AFB's B-1 bombers and personnel left for Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, to participate in Red Flag 16-2, one of the largest training exercises involving more than 100 aircraft, 3,000 deployed servicemembers and all four military services, Feb. 29.

"Red Flag is one of the largest training exercises that we do as an Air Force," said Col. Derek France, Red Flag Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "It involves all services, coalition partners and it happens on the Nevada Test and Training Range where you get around 130 aircraft and squadrons from all over that come together for a three-week exercise and train at the highest level of combat."

Participants train with a variety of attack, fighter and bomber aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, aerial refueling aircraft, and ground based Command and Control, Space and Cyber Forces.

Since its inception in 1975, Red Flag has provided training for more than 440,000 military personnel, including more than 145,000 aircrew members flying more than 385,000 sorties and logging more than 660,000 hours of flying time.

"One of the goals for this exercise is that that first combat experience seems pretty tamed compared to Red Flag," France said. "If we are doing that right, then Red Flag is hitting the mark."