Angel Thunder 2010 kicks off

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jennifer Pearson
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Exercise Angel Thunder 2010, an Air Combat Command-sponsored exercise, kicked off here April 13 with safety and exercise orientation briefings for participants, including representatives from the U.S. Air Force and Army, along with several other nations.

The two-week exercise is in its fourth year and provides tactical-level opportunities for more than 1,200 ground, air and support participants and more than 50 aircraft to engage in a variety of personnel recovery scenarios.

"The focused personnel recovery exercise provides additional training to prepare Combat Air Force assets for upcoming AEF deployments," said Col. Billy Thompson, Angel Thunder exercise director.

Personnel recovery is an Air Force core function that incorporates combat search and rescue, and medical evacuation.

"I want to revalidate Angel Thunder as the premier personnel recovery exercise in the world," said Colonel Thompson. "Angel Thunder helps to improve interoperability between the total force, different services, interagency, and different nations."

Angel Thunder reinforces personnel recovery engagement through security cooperation and building partnership capabilities. In support of current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Air Force is continually adapting its organization, training and equipment to increase personnel recovery capabilities offered by its rescue force.

"It is important to provide an educational environment enabling all at participants to gain a broader understanding of military, interagency and international capabilities," said Colonel Thompson.

A final objective for the Angel Thunder participants is to take what is learned and experienced during the two weeks and apply it in a deployed environment.