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Ellsworth launches for large force exercise in PRTC

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  B-1 bombers launched from the flightline to participate in a quarterly Large Force Exercise in the Powder River Training Complex March 30-31, 2016.

The two-day exercise allowed B-1 bomber aircrews to train alongside other aircraft, providing realistic training scenarios involving multi-aircraft operations.

"We need the large force exercises to meet the training objectives for the squadrons," said Lt. Col. Lanny Anaya, 28th Operations Support Squadron assistant director of operations. "That includes getting the aviators close air support, air-to-air training, air-to-ground training and upgrade training that they can't get with just their normal day-to-day flights."

During the exercise, B-1s worked with B-52 Stratofortresses, fighter jets, C-2 Greyhounds, reconnaissance aircraft and an E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System platform, and it allows different units to work together for training purposes.

Although Ellsworth has simulators for general training purposes for pilots, Anaya stated that it is not the same experience they get when deployed.

"The simulators do help, but we don't fight in simulators when we're deployed," Anaya said. "It's not like your [video game console]. It's a lot of information coming in, and when you're doing it in the simulator versus in a deployment, the level of stress is different."

Anaya added it is crucial for the Air Force to have these types of joint exercises because they allow base aircrews to focus on their mission of striking targets in a realistic environment without having to worry about enemy fighters firing back.

"It takes a team, it takes effort, and it takes a lot of pieces of equipment to accomplish the mission," Anaya said.

For more information on the PRTC, visit http://www.ellsworth.af.mil/prtc.asp.

Those interested in scheduling information should visit http://sua.faa.gov/.