DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- A dry and desolate landscape flanked by mountains provided the perfect austere environment to use a makeshift runway to test the 355th Wing’s dynamic capabilities.
Twentynine Palms, California, provided the unique AM-2 matting landing zone, created with steel plates joined together. In contingency operations, AM-2 matting would be the runway of choice in areas without improved surfaces for pilots to land, refuel, rearm and get back to the fight.
Multi-capable Airmen from across the 355th Wing flew in an HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron to assist and observe the 357th Fighter Squadron's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in receiving ground refueling at the Twentynine Palms Expeditionary Landing Field, Sept. 10, 2021.
These Airmen supported the groundwork necessary for austere landing and forward area refueling point operations between an HC-130J and four A-10s.
“This was the first time A-10s have executed a FARP operation at Twentynine Palms,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Julian Rooks, 357th FS director of operations. “Hopefully this will pave the way for more intense Agile Combat Employment training opportunities at the expeditionary airfield.”
FARP and ACE go hand-in-hand and enable applied knowledge of the expeditionary skills necessary to fight and survive in contested and austere environments.
“We’re using this unit level exercise as an opportunity to allow trained MCA to see their skills in action. The intent is to put a face to the name of MCA training,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joel Bier, 357th FS commander.
The 355th Wing continues to lead the way in ACE concepts through developing MCA skills to generate operational unpredictability.