Alert 5

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

Posted on September 20, 2024 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)

Carrier swap creates rare training opportunity for CVW-5

Posted on September 20, 2024 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)

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

Posted on September 19, 2024September 19, 2024 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)

B-21 Raider program is gaining momentum

Posted on September 19, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Air Force’s B-21 Raider program is gaining momentum, with significant progress reported during the Air and Space Force Association’s recent conference. Air Force leaders and industry partners provided key updates on the development of this advanced stealth bomber.

Photo: USAF
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L3Harris initiates production of Viper Shield EW Suite for the F-16

Posted on September 18, 2024 by alert5

L3Harris Technologies has commenced production of its cutting-edge Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) suite, marking a significant milestone in F-16 fighter jet capabilities. The all-digital system, officially designated AN/ALQ-254(V)1, is set to equip F-16 fleets across six nations, enhancing their combat readiness against emerging threats.

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