Alert 5

Aviation News

U.S. Air Force unveils new app for rapid airfield assessments

Posted on by alert5

The U.S. Air Force has unveiled a cutting-edge mobile application designed to streamline airfield assessments for aircraft operations in austere environments. Developed by the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing Innovation Team at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, this new tool promises to enhance the speed and accuracy of determining whether an airfield can safely accommodate aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules or C-17 Globemaster III. The innovation marks a significant step forward for agile combat employment.

Members of the 435 Contingency Response Squadron Survey Team records data collected during a Landing Zone Assessment using the Project ARC mobile application. Developed by the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing Innovation Team, the new mobile application is designed to streamline the process of assessing and certifying airfields for aircraft landings, particularly in austere environments—enhancing efficiency, reducing human error, and providing real-time data to support rapid decision-making in the field. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Continue reading “U.S. Air Force unveils new app for rapid airfield assessments”

New structure for USAF: Combat, Base, and Institutional Wings

Posted on by alert5

The United States Air Force is set to implement a major restructuring of its forces, fundamentally changing how it organizes and deploys its personnel and resources. Beginning in summer 2025, the Air Force will transition to a new system of Combat Wings, Air Base Wings, and Institutional Wings, aimed at enhancing readiness and operational efficiency.

An F-16 Viper assigned to the 8th Fighter Squadrons flies over Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 6, 2024. The squadron’s new flagship honors the F-117 Nighthawk, which was flown by the 8th FS for over 25 years. (Courtesy photo)

Continue reading “New structure for USAF: Combat, Base, and Institutional Wings”

Carrier swap creates rare training opportunity for CVW-5

Posted on by alert5

A strategic hull swap between USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) has opened a unique window for Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) to complete its Air Wing Fallon (AWF) training with full participation. This rare occurrence, stemming from the transition in the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) in the Indo-Pacific region, marks the first time in over nine years that the entire air wing has trained together at the Navy’s premier tactical aviation training facility.

A Naval Aviator enters the cockpit of an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 during Air Wing Fallon training for Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 on Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., Sept. 6, 2024. NAS Fallon hosts the NavyÕs premier integrated training facility, providing live, virtual and constructive training opportunities. For five weeks, CVW-5 mission-planned, rehearsed in a virtual environment, refined tactical plans and executed live-flight missions. (U.S. Navy photo by Gavin Graham)

Continue reading “Carrier swap creates rare training opportunity for CVW-5”

Hawgsmoke 2024: A-10 Thunderbolt II’s Swan Song

Posted on by alert5

In the sun-baked skies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, the distinctive silhouette of the A-10 Thunderbolt II once again dominated the horizon. From Sept. 11-15, the base played host to Hawgsmoke, a competition that has become a revered tradition in the A-10 community. This year’s event, possibly the last of its kind, served as both a testament to the Warthog’s enduring capabilities and a poignant farewell to an aircraft that has defined close air support for over four decades.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II fires its GAU-8 Avenger 30mm Gatling gun at the Barry M. Goldwater Range near Gila Bend, Ariz., as part of the close air support competition during Hawgsmoke 2024 on Sept. 13, 2024. The A-10, known for its iconic role in protecting ground forces, continues to demonstrate its relevance in modern combat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken)

Continue reading “Hawgsmoke 2024: A-10 Thunderbolt II’s Swan Song”