California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) recently hosted Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) for a joint training exercise focused on fighter integration. The F-35B Lightning IIs from Arizona arrived at Fresno Air National Guard Base on Jun. 7th, to train alongside the 144th FW’s F-15C Eagle fighter jets.
This joint exercise capitalized on the opportunity presented by the 144th FW’s drill weekend, allowing for a higher participation rate among Air National Guard pilots. The core focus was on integrating the capabilities of the 4th generation F-15C with the advanced features of the 5th generation F-35B. Pilots from both squadrons honed their skills in executing offensive and defensive counter-air maneuvers in a team environment. The joint training maximized efficiency over the weekend, with a total of five mission sets and 40 sorties flown. Taking off from Fresno Yosemite International Airport, the exercises took place over the Pacific Ocean off the California coast.
“Training with the Marine F-35s is invaluable,” stated U.S. Air Force Maj. James Hastings, a pilot with the 194th Fighter Squadron (194 FS) within the 144th FW. “Fourth and fifth-generation multi-service joint tactics will absolutely be executed in any large-scale conflict, and practicing them is essential.”
For VMFA-211, cross-country training missions with different aircraft platforms are a regular occurrence. However, opportunities to train with F-15s outside of large-scale exercises like Red Flag are less frequent.
“Fighter integration is what we strive to train for,” emphasized U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Johnson, a pilot with VMFA-211. “Spending the weekend flying with the Guard is not just a good way to build our flight hours; it’s a chance to practice and validate our tactics and learn about other platforms.”
The unique opportunity offered valuable training for both sides. “F-15s carry a lot of weapons,” explained Maj. Johnson. “They’re a very capable platform, and they integrate well with F-35s when we are all talking the same tactics.”
The press release from the 144th Fighter Wing highlights the complementary strengths of each aircraft: the F-35B’s advanced avionics, versatility, and stealth capabilities are balanced by the F-15C’s superior payload, range, and maneuverability.
“Flying with F-35s allows us to sharpen our interoperability skills and realistically replicate our role in modern air warfare,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Daniel Behrens, another pilot with the 194th FS.
The success of the exercise relied heavily on the support of numerous personnel across the 144th FW. Maintenance crews, fuelers, airfield management teams, security forces, and others played crucial roles in ensuring the smooth operation of the F-35Bs during their stay in Fresno.
This marks the second collaboration between VMFA-211 and the 194th FS in Fresno.
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