Behind-the-scenes at Exercise Sentry Savannah 21-1

As one of the first major US exercises to take place since COVID-19, this year’s Sentry Savannah was a landmark moment. James Deboer spoke to some of those involved.

Training exercises have proved to be a significant casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Events have been postponed or cancelled and many US fighter squadrons have been unable to fly dissimilar air combat exercises.

Sentry Savannah, the Air National Guard’s (ANG) premier air dominance exercise, has heralded a change. During the two-week exercise, which took place in April this year, there were 20 different ANG, Reserve and active-duty Air Force squadrons from 15 states providing training to their personnel. Combat Aircraft Journal was given the opportunity to visit and fly with these squadrons during the largest Sentry Savannah to date.