US Air Force airmen at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, are engaged in air-to-air combat training with and against the F-5s and F-16s of the Singapore Air Force, in an exercise known as Commando Sling. For the 18th Fighter Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, practicing air-to-air maneuvers in a hot, humid environment and over bodies of water is a new experience, which their commander, Lt. Col. Dieter Bareihs, says is good training. Learning the different combat scenarios through this exercise is supposed to strengthen the alliance and enhance the safety of the Pacific Region.
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.
