T
he Air Force unleashed a firepower demonstration last week at Nellis AFB, Nev., showing the public—and assorted Capitol Hill staffers—the type of action rarely seen outside a war zone, reports A1C Oleksandra Manko. For more than an hour, airmen on the ground and in the air went through combat scenarios. Fighter, bombers, gunships, and helicopters flew simulated combat sorties for 60 minutes, preceded by a two-hour video presentation in which the participating pilots explained their maneuvers. The event also showcased desert warfare simulations and a downed-pilot rescue.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
