434 FTS landmark first deployment provides unique training opportunity

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Pilots from the 434th Fighter Training Squadron here went head-to-head for the second time with Tornado pilots from the German air force Fighter Weapons Instructor Course in late June.

This time, however, they were without the home-field advantage, and it was the first-ever deployment for Laughlin's only Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals training squadron.

The trip, which took 13 Laughlin pilots, eight maintainers and two enlisted Airmen to Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., was a significant milestone for the 434th FTS, as it was the first deployment for the squadron, said Maj. Jay Flottmann, 434th FTS. "This will be the first of many deployments to come."

The trip was a follow-up to several training sorties flown in February, but it was the German pilots who came to Laughlin to square off against U.S. Air Force T-38 pilots then. Both training sessions were extremely valuable to the pilots and ground crews involved.

"The 434th was able to ensure the German Air Force met its FWIC training requirements and also supported U.S. Air Force Security Cooperation Goals for a key ally," Major Flottmann said. "The 434th instructors were also able to validate basic fighter maneuver techniques and improve their tactical skills against a similarly matched adversary."

The Laughlin squadron came away from the deployment having validated more than just flying tactics.

"Numerous lessons were learned from the inaugural deployment," the major added. "Logistically, we validated our plan for standard fighter squadron deployed support requirements and number of personnel required to complete the mission.

"The original Operations-Maintenance plan transformed from an idea on paper to an actual deployment of personnel and aircraft that became a great success," he continued. "The lessons learned will make the next deployment that much more standardized."

The pilots weren't the only members of Team XL to travel to Holloman. Eight maintainers accompanied the aircrews on the trip to ensure the planes stayed operational for the duration of the training.

Frank Mallory, a 21-year Air Force veteran and current Aircraft Attendant Supervisor here, said New Mexico was similar to Texas as a working environment, and the maintenance team encountered no complications other than "normal situations that we handle on an everyday basis."

He said working at a different base with a different Air Force was interesting.

"[The German air force] were very gracious hosts and helped us every time we needed something," he explained.

Both the pilots and Mr. Mallory expressed their appreciation of the hard work and outstanding performance of the maintainers.

"They worked long hours to provide as many jets as possible for the 434th," Mr. Mallory said. "They tackled every problem with a 'can-do' attitude and worked as a team to help the German air force accomplish their training."

In terms of future deployments, Major Flottmann said the trips will likely see increased support from agencies other than the 47th FTW and German air force. Future deployments will include support for the GAF, the U.S. Air Force FWIC, fighter training units at Luke and Tyndall Air Force bases, as well as routine support for the 7th Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptor's at Holloman.

"It's a win-win for Air Education and Training Command and the combat Air Force as it provides low-cost, realistic adversary support to train our CAF fighter pilots," Major Flottmann added.