4th FW conducts joint exercise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Gino Reyes
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 4th Fighter Wing hosted exercise Razor Talon to provide joint units on the East Coast an opportunity to participate in a low cost training exercise Aug. 30, 2012.

Airmen and sailors from seven East Coast installations came together to support 32 aircraft and ensure the success of the exercise.

"Our unique airspace is conducive to training in a maritime environment where aviators across all services may one day find themselves engaged in real-world combat operations," said Maj. Ronen Segal, 4th Operations Support Squadron chief of fighter scheduling.

Razor Talon allowed squadrons the ability to give upgrading mission commanders realistic scenarios. It also built cohesion between the diverse units and encouraged effective joint scheduling of an array of resources that allowed for one-of-a-kind training opportunities. The exercise allowed Air Combat Command aircrew to hone their skill sets and successfully meet the command's standards.

"Exercise Razor Talon is an outstanding training initiative that provides a low cost training opportunity for East Coast tactical and support aviation units," said Lt. Col. Paul Birch, 4th Operation Support Squadron commander. "It is a model that 9th Air Force or

ACC can adopt to meet critical training objectives in a fiscally constrained environment that reduces other exercise opportunities."

This year's exercise not only provided a unique training opportunity, it also further enhanced the joint capabilities of the 4th FW.

"Exercise Razor Talon was a tribute to the U.S. Air Force and Navy's ability to conduct joint operations in a contested scenario, demonstrating tactical aviation's ability to succeed under austere conditions," Segal said.