Navy JTACs: keeping RF-A on target

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  An F-16 Fighting Falcon drops a 550-pound concrete-filled bomb on to a simulated target as three men watch from a hillside a little more than a mile away. 

The men are Navy joint terminal attack controllers whose job is to operate from a forward position -- directing the action of combat aircraft engaged in close-air support and other offensive air operations. They, and the U.S. and allied pilots they are directing during RED-FLAG-Alaska 10-1, gain invaluable combat training during the exercise. 

CAS is air action by fixed and rotary-wing aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces and require detailed integration of each air mission with fire and movement of those forces. 

They also use their skills mapping and locating possible hazards in search and rescue missions and to locate unmanned aircraft systems. 

They start their mission in the office using maps to view the target area, assess it to determine what and where possible hazards may be. Then they go out on the range, using the data they've already collected and make sure the coordinates are correct using laser target designators and Falcon View, a computer program that shows controllers a map of the location they are assessing. 

By doing this, JTACs can suggest the best weapon according to the situation on the ground to the pilots in the air. 

"Our mission is to provide ground commander with ability to execute close-air support on time sensitive targets," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Bruce Diette, JTAC leading chief petty officer from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia. "RED FLAG-Alaska is better than self-generated training because we're able to interact with the Air Force and strikers [aircraft] like we would in real life." 

RF-A lets Tthe JTACs practice their operations just like they would in combat zones -- all elements are present. RF-A brings together as many operational aspects possible to provide the realistic training. 

"Alaska is quite a place to be," said Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Crossett, JTAC control officer. "There's a large target area with a better array of targets than on the East Coast and you get to work on your skills navigating target layout and weaponry." 

JTACs are expected to be able to work with any combat aircraft but most often practice with Navy F-18s. This fall's exercise included F-16 Fighting Falcons, A-10 Thunderbolts, Army Blackhawks, among others. 

"Being at RF-A gives us a chance to work with other platforms and aircraft. This exercise broadens our horizons on different CAS procedures and puts us ahead of the power curve," he added. 

The Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex provides 67,000 square miles of airspace, more than 30 threat simulators, one conventional bombing range and two tactical bombing ranges containing more than 400 different types of targets.