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5th BW, ANG team up for Beaver Flag

Air Combat Command News

Release Date: 12/17/2003

By Rebecca Anne Fritz 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

12/17/2003 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (ACCNS) - Aircrews here joined forces with the Air National Guard to participate in a large force exercise at the Smoky Hill Range in Kansas recently.

Beaver Flag simulated the rescue of an allied nation overrun by rogue forces, said Capt. Jim Wamhoff, 5th Operation Support Squadron mission planning cell team chief.

"It was a unique experience because we were flying with the Air National Guard," Captain Wamhoff said. "It really showcased the total force concept and the fact that we can integrate so easily."

Along with the B-52, Beaver Flag also incorporated F-16s, F-15s, B-1s, F-18s, Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System aircraft, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, UH-60 Black Hawks, A-10s and EA-6B's.

Capt. Wamhoff compared the force composition to a football lineup.

"By integrating into a package, we use allied forces to help protect us, going in like a football team," he said. "Basically, the F-16s sweep forward and form a protective line for the strikers, much the way an offensive line guards the quarterback. The reason is the B-52s and B-1s carry six to eight times more weapons than the fighters. All the fighters have to do is make sure the ball can get to the target."

Captain Wamhoff said recent commitments have focused crews on the B-52's strategic mission, but Beaver Flag allowed them to turn their focus to conventional plans and practices.

"This exercise allowed us hone the warfighting edge as we prepare for our next (Air and Space Expeditionary Force) commitments," he said.