’Red Flag — Alaska’ traces its roots to the ‘Cope Thunder’ events in the Pacific region. Moving to Eielson AFB, Alaska, in 1992, the exercise was rebranded during 2006 and has grown in stature ever since, attracting participants from around the globe.
EXERCISE REPORT
’RED FLAG — ALASKA’
EIELSON AFB IS where the wilderness of Alaska meets the advanced technology of the military world. Located near the city of Fairbanks, this large and picturesque base is the permanent home of both the 18th Aggressor Squadron (AGRS) and the 168th Air Refueling Wing.
The resident 354th Fighter Wing, currently devoid of a front-line fast jet unit, is lined up as the home of the next tranche of US Air Force F-35A squadrons, a decision designed to enable joint missions alongside the F-22 Raptors of the 3rd Wing at nearby Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. In the past year, the Lightning II has been a regular visitor to Eielson for cold-weather test work. Infrastructure and logistical preparations related to its formal arrival are well under way in order to meet the expected 2020 timeline for permanent basing.
The base typically hosts four ‘Red Flag — Alaska’ exercises per year, as well as the accompanying ‘Northern Edge’ exerci…
