More than one dozen South Korea-based Air Force F-16 fighters and some 150 airmen flew to Japan for two weeks of air-to-air combat drills, tangling with F-15s at Kadena Air Base, announced Kadena officials June 13. “This dissimilar air-to-air combat training is vital to preserving the Pacific Air Forces’ ability to gain and maintain air superiority,” said Lt. Col. Douglas Thies, commander of the F-16 contingent from Kunsan AB, South Korea, that arrived at Kadena on June 8. “The chance to engage with the F-15 Eagles provides a unique opportunity for me to test my abilities against a different aircraft and learn how it operates,” added Capt. Keegan Dale, an F-16 pilot. Directing the F-15s of Kadena’s 44th Fighter Squadron against the visiting Falcons also gives Kadena’s AWACs aircrews realistic practice in controlling aerial engagements, and its tanker crews practice in refueling a broad range of aircraft types. (Kadena report by SSgt. Laszlo Babocsi)
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.