18 Air Force F-15s just squared off in a 'Turkey Shoot' in the skies over England
"From the mass brief, each formation splits off for flight-specific briefs to discuss the execution plan and expectations/responsibilities for each flight member during the fight," Wozniak said.
"We had tankers assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing and Airborne Warning and Control Systems from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the UK for Command and Control support," Wozniak said.
Due to different flying schedules, the squadrons do not have many occasions to come together in camaraderie. Turkey Shoots provide that unique opportunity for all three fighter squadrons to integrate with each other, which in turn makes for a livelier competition.
"Broadly speaking, fighter pilots and fighter weapons systems officers need three things to survive and thrive … readiness, competition, and camaraderie," said Col. Jason Camilletti, 48th Operations Group commander.
"Turkey shoots advance our wing's readiness by stressing our newest flight leads and wingmen in a very challenging high-end scenario, and the adrenaline rush of competing to win is the closest thing we can do short of actual combat," Camilletti said.
As US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa's premier combat wing, complex exercises such as this ensure the 48th Fighter Wing remains ready to defend sovereign skies and deter any aggressor.
Popular Right Now
Popular Keywords
Advertisement