Intel flight tailors mission to support RF-A

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nora Anton
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 354th Operations Support Squadron intelligence flight is currently boosting its operations tempo to support RED FLAG-Alaska 08-2.

"During the exercises we provide pre- and post-mission briefings," said Staff Sgt. Olivia Montgomery, 354th OSS/IN NCO in charge of training. "This gives us an opportunity to learn and interact with our allies who are here to train with us."

The Airmen with the intelligence flight here are working round-the-clock to provide U.S. and allied forces intel scenarios and targeting materials.

These reports come in the form of daily intelligence summaries, which are a scenario describing what surface-to-air and air-to-air threats the aircrews will have to defeat during their missions and what tactics the enemy will employ, said Maj. Charles Freel, 354th OSS/IN commander.

Imagery, diagrams and descriptions of various structures and buildings on the Pacific Alaska Range Complex are examples of targeting materials the aircrew practice bombing with both live and simulated weapons.

"Our folks are working at least 12-hour shifts to ensure the visiting units have a realistic scenario and the White Force support they need to have a successful exercise and meet their training objectives," he said.

Just as other units on base have temporary-duty visitors from other U.S. Air Force Bases and foreign allies, the intel flight here is no different. The commander said the intelligence flight has gone out of their way to include allies to maximize the sharing of intelligence information and procedures.

"We have coalition intelligence personnel supporting both their own flying squadrons as well as an Australian intelligence officer embedded within the U.S. Combat Intel Cell," he said.

Flt. Lt. Anthony Cullen, 75th Squadron intelligence instructor is currently deployed from the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia in support of RF-A 08-2.

"The experience I'm getting out of the exercise is the opportunity to work closely with the U.S., Canadian and United Kingdom Air Forces," he said. "The best part of my job is working with a keen and enthusiastic team achieving the most high-quality and professional mission support to aircrew flying into harm's way."

He added that it's even better being in Alaska, due to first-time experiences.

"Seeing snow for the first time is an added bonus," he said.

Sergeant Montgomery said as intelligence professionals, they are entrusted with some of the Nation's most precious information.

"Here at Eielson, we support RF-A," she said. "But at other bases, we could work with the space program, brief three-star generals daily, provide intel support to heavies or other fighters or even work with special operations, the opportunities are really endless."