A pair of C-130Js from Ramstein AB, Germany, deployed for a joint training exercise with French air force C-130Hs at Air Base 123 near Orleans, southwest of Paris. “This is the first time that French and American C-130 crews have trained together in France,” said French air force Lt. Col. Laurent Neumann, vice commander of Transport Squadron 2/61. “We regularly work together according to standardized procedures, but it is important to regularly upkeep the bonds of confidence that unite us,” he added in the French air force’s Nov. 19 release (English-language translation by Daily Report staff.) The aircrews practiced low-altitude formation flying, joint airdrops, and airborne assault tactics during the week-long exercise, which ran from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16. Approximately 40 aircrew members and support personnel from Ramstein’s 37th Airlift Squadron participated in the event. The units plan to continue the relationship with more joint training in the near future. (Orleans report by FAF Capt. Karim Djemai)
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…