Shoguns participate in latest iteration of Commando Sling exercise

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 67th Fighter Squadron and maintenance personnel will deploy to Singapore in support of Commando Sling 2010 from July 8 through Aug. 2.

Six F-15 Eagles from the fighter squadron, along with 77 personnel from the fighter squadron and aircraft maintenance unit, will arrive at Paya Lebar Air Base on the southern end of the island of Singapore. The Commando Sling Exercise is conducted annually, and is supported by a variety of Pacific Air Forces fighter units. They will conduct dissimilar air combat training with three Republic Singapore air force squadrons, where different types of aircraft fly air-to-air missions against each other. The 67th will be flying against the F-5 Tiger II and the F-16D Block 52 Fighting Falcon from the RSAF.

"The exercise presents a unique opportunity to fly against dissimilar adversaries in a foreign environment," said Maj. Jonathan Burd, 67th FS pilot. "F-15 pilots will gain both tactical and professional experience that cannot be attained at home station."

The major added that Kadena Airmen must take every opportunity during this exercise to learn the valuable skills needed to support the 67th mission to deploy, with little to no notice.

The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for U.S. Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter units. The exercise enables air force units to sharpen their air combat skills, improve procedures to conduct air operations at a non-U.S. base, and enhance partnerships between participating air forces and nations.

This training is also an opportunity for the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit personnel to demonstrate their capabilities of generating aircraft to sustain operations at a non-U.S. base, said the major.

"As a nation, we are committed to maintaining a U.S. presence in Southeast Asia," Major Burd said. "Commando Sling 10-3 will permit the U.S. to remain engaged and forward deployed in the region."