The 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and the 522nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Andersen AFB, Guam, just finished a search and rescue exercise with the Navy, reports TSgt. Steven Wilson. AWACS aircraft from Kadena AFB, Japan, provided rescue coordination and kept an eye on the 522nd EFS posing as “enemy” fighter jets. The F-16 unit also provided offensive counter air escorts for the Navy helicopters.
The Air Force plans to start buying thousands of advanced new handheld radios in 2027 for downed aircrew to communicate with search-and-rescue forces, a capability spotlighted earlier this year during the recovery of two aviators shot down in Iran.