Eielson commander welcomes Red Flag-Alaska participants Published Oct. 1, 2008 By Brig. Gen. Mark Graper 354th Fighter Wing commander EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- To our RED FLAG-Alaska participants: welcome to Eielson Air Force Base and RED FLAG-Alaska 09-01, the first exercise of fiscal year 2009 and the final exercise for calendar year 2008! The Iceman Team is honored to host more than 400 of our fellow Airmen from Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. , MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. and Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Whether you're a repeat guest or are making your first visit to the Great Land, I'm sure you'll find the state, its residents and your Iceman Team hosts welcoming and hospitable. We look forward to working alongside you to make this training experience a memorable and rewarding one. RED FLAG-Alaska builds on the lessons learned from previous iterations as well as those derived from current world contingencies to provide participants the most realistic, challenging and educational air combat simulation anywhere in the world. This exercise is a full-up, Tier 1 training environment. The Tier 1 designation is only used when an exercise is made of participants cleared to employ the full range of technology in our aviation playbook. This type of training allows crews to train in the most realistic fashion possible, and it is also a rare opportunity. This is one reason why we'll fly RF-A missions on Columbus Day, a federal holiday, and why it will be a normal duty day for 354th FW military Airmen and mission-essential civilians. Our nation is at war, and we need to take full advantage of the valuable Tier I training. Our exercise planners and staff will work to ensure you're continually challenged and tested throughout your stay. When you're not immersed in the training environment though, I encourage you to make the most of your free time with us in Interior Alaska. The Fairbanks North Star Borough community is well-known for making the military feel at home. Alaskans offer warm, friendly hospitality to visiting guests in general and service men and women in particular and there is no shortage of uniquely Alaskan adventures to be had. Whether your interests are geared to all-terrain vehicle excursions or late-night Aurora spotting, you should enjoy your off-duty time. Before you venture off the beaten path, though, please make sure you have an experienced local Wingman with you; humans are not at the top of the food chain in Alaska. In addition, we are beginning to slip into an Alaskan winter and the weather and terrain conditions here may be harsher than what you are used to. I also want to inform you of the extensive morale, welfare and recreation opportunities at Eielson. Our Mission Support Group has a multitude of events, socials and activities scheduled during your stay; pick up a copy of the Mukluk, our monthly Force Support Squadron publication, or the base newspaper, the Polar Press, to find out about what's going on around the base. You can also tune in to GCI cable TV Channel 5 to receive base information. RED FLAG-Alaska exercises are made possible thanks to the planning and diligent efforts of many, and I'd like to thank in advance the men and women of the 354th Fighter Wing, and all associated planners and support staff, for building another fine exercise. Icemen: please join me in welcoming our guests and ensuring their stay is positive in all regards. Welcome once again. I wish you a memorable and rewarding stay in Alaska. Check Six!