Kadena participates in Valiant Shield exercise at Joint Region Marianas

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  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Air Force bombers, Kadena's fighters and tankers and support aircraft from the Pacific theater are participating Valiant Shield 2010.

The U.S. Pacific Command exercise, which runs September 12 to 21 and is the third iteration of the Valiant Shield exercises begun in 2006, will be conducted in the vicinity of Guam. Valiant Shield focuses on integrated joint training and interoperability among U.S. military forces while responding to a range of mission scenarios.

"Valiant Shield 2010 exercises the military's ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency," said Brig. Gen. John Doucette, 36th Wing commander.

"It is a rare opportunity to bring together platforms that normally do not regularly exercise together, such as B-52 (Stratofortress) bombers and carrier strike groups, to ensure an integrated American air, sea, land, space and cyberspace force capable of an overwhelming and decisive response in any future contingency," General Doucette said.

More than 150 aircraft are participating in Valiant Shield, including F-15 fighters and KC-135 Stratotankers from Kadena Air Base. This exercise is also helping test the abilities of the 18th Wing.

"Really it's exercising our ability to conduct all the missions that pertain to our operational plans and our wartime plans," said Maj. Jeremy Fenceroy, the 909th Expeditionary Air Refueling director of operations.

Being able to role the 18th Wing's plans into a larger exercise makes Valiant Shield a win for Kadena.

"During the past year, we have been studying integrated air and missile defense, and air battle command and control concepts," said Col. Alan Kollien, 613th Air and Space Operations Center vice commander. "During this exercise, we will we will validate those joint counter-air and counter-sea concepts against a variety of air and maritime targets. The Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers involved in Valiant Shield are excited about our emerging capabilities and are dedicated to succeed."

A U.S. Navy carrier strike group and amphibious ready group are joining a forward-deployed U.S. Air Force air expeditionary wing and Marine Corps units for exercise Valiant Shield 2010.

"This type of training provides a unique opportunity for these forces to work together in a maritime environment and to enhance operational proficiency," General Doucette said.

"With the vast distances of the Pacific Ocean, integrated air and seapower is essential for immediate response to any contingency," the general said. "Training together during exercises such as Valiant Shield refines PACOM's ability to present a seamless joint force to supported and supporting commanders."