Rocketeers fire live missiles during evaluation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shawn J. Jones
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The Rocketeers of the 336th Fighter Squadron returned here from a two-week air-to-air combat evaluation, called Combat Archer, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 19.

Combat Archer, which is conducted by the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, exercises and evaluates the total air-to-air weapons system capability of Air Force aircraft.

The evaluation allows weapons systems planners to verify system performance, capabilities and limitations while allowing aircrews the chance to practice realistic air-to-air combat training.

Lt. Col. Neil Allen, 336th FS commander, said Combat Archer provides an assessment of his Airmen's readiness for air-to-air combat.

To help with the assessment, the Rocketeers took advantage of the unique airspace above Tyndall and the Gulf of Mexico. During a typical home-station training sortie, firing air-to-air weapons is impractical due to safety concerns. The 53rd WEG goes to great lengths, using its own aircraft and ships, to ensure the range over the Gulf is free and clear for training with live missiles and loaded 20 mm guns.

Rocketeer leadership ensured many of their youngest F-15E Strike Eagle aviators were given the opportunity to gain valuable experience with live missiles in air-to-air combat training scenarios. Of those who fired live missiles, all were first-time shooters, Colonel Allen said.

Despite their relative inexperience with live missiles, the commander said he was pleased with the performance of his Airmen.

"Every shot went off without a hitch," he said.

Combat Archer also provides an air-to-air combat forum for fighter aircrews. Colonel Allen said his Airmen learned from training with other types of aircraft including F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-15C Eagles, and U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets. While the Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter that does not specialize in air-to-air missions, it performed well against Combat Archer's other fighter aircraft.

Maj. Robert Espejo, a Combat Archer evaluator who specializes in Strike Eagle weapons systems, said the Rocketeers lived up to the formidable reputation of Strike Eagle squadrons.

"They take their evaluation very seriously and prepare meticulously for it," he said. "That is why they do so well while they are here."

During the two-week evaluation, the Rocketeers committed no range-safety violations or invalid missile launches.

"That's a big deal," Major Espejo said.

While the squadron as a whole performed well, Colonel Allen and Major Espejo credited several individuals for outstanding support and performance.

Capts. Nicholas Pernell and Travis Sorenson earned the Weapon System Evaluation Group's Top Gun award for precise execution of air-to-air tactics, techniques and procedures.

Combat Archer would not have gone so smoothly for the fighter squadron, the colonel said, if not for the efforts of Capts. Shannon Lippert and Steven Henderson, the project officers for the evaluation.

Additionally, Colonel Allen praised the work of the maintainers led by Capt. Christopher Pustka, 336th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. During the evaluation, the Rocketeers were able to show their appreciation by providing incentive flights to five maintainers.

Ultimately, Combat Archer helped 336th FS leadership determine if they are ready for air-to-air combat when called upon.

"The answer is 'Yes, we are,'" Colonel Allen said.