Navy, Air Force train together to showcase capabilities

Published May 22, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Stephen Teel
36th Wing Public Affairs

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- In an effort to enhance the Air Force's weapons delivery capabilities and the Navy's F-18 Hornets' intercept capabilities, the 96th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron here and the aircrew of Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN (CVW-11) of the USS Nimitz have been participating in joint training exercises off the coastline of Guam.

For the past few weeks, B-52 Stratofortress showcased their unrivaled ability to drop bombs on targets anytime, anywhere, while Navy F-18s demonstrated aviation from a maritime perspective.

"Joint operations training is essential for success in today's military," said 1st Lt. Charlie "Thunder" Goetz, 96th EBS. "This training allows us to showcase our capabilities and our mission competency to our sister services and fosters trust and respect across America's fighting force."

During the missions, the F-18s blanketed the bombers from danger by providing close air support, allowing the bombers to complete their sorties.

"The Nimitz runs an extremely professional operation," said Air Force Capt. Kris Waechter. "It was a testament to the flexibility of airpower and the efficiency of naval operations to be able to conduct joint combat airpower training, and I wouldn't want to go to war without them."

In the midst of the airborne training missions, the Air Force and the Navy were also able to tour each others facilities to get a first-hand look at operations. 96th EBS Airmen toured the USS Nimitz and Lt. Cmdr. Mike Garcia, from the CVW-11, got an orientation flight aboard a B-52 to learn about the bomber's capabilities.

"Flying with the 96th EBS in the mighty B-52 has been a career highlight for me," said Commander Garcia. "Its historic importance, the 'Buff' has proven itself to be a critical element on the modern battlefield. To see it's capabilities up close and personal and get this hands-on experience has been a true honor. The Airmen of the 96th EBS and their exemplary level of competency have left no doubt in the minds of CVW-11's naval aviators that operations in any theatre would be greatly enhanced through joint operations between F/A-18's and B-52's. Though on different ends of the spectrum in terms of performance and size, the two platforms share the common element of being forward deployed at the tip of the spear and being on call to defend our nation around the world."

"Training the way we fight and fighting the way we train, coupled with the greatest Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the world, is what makes us superior," said Lt. Col. Patrick Matthews, 96th EBS commander. "When it comes to global reach and power the combined effort of the DoD services is unmatched. The Navy and the Air Force are key players in providing air to air and air to ground support anytime and anywhere."

Pacific Air Forces' rotational bomber presence is aimed at enhancing regional security, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Western Pacific, and providing integrated training opportunities.