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Eielson F-16s, troops take on A-10 CSAR role at Northern Watch

Released: 14 Sep 2000

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 18th Fighter Squadron deployed recently from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, as part of Aerospace Expeditionary Force 10 to support the Operation Northern Watch no-fly zone mission.

The F-16s will be flying combat search and rescue missions while in the Iraq no-fly zone - a first. Usually search and rescue is performed by A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, but due to increased operational demands on the 355th FS, the tasking went the 18th FS. Both units are assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing here.

Having never performed search and rescue meant the F-16 pilots had to be quickly trained. Who better to do that than the A-10 pilots who fly CSAR regularly?

"It was impressive how quickly they (F-16 pilots) picked up the CSAR mentality," said Capt Andrew Kapuscak, instructor pilot with the 355th FS. "Flying CSAR is non-structured. Every rescue is different, so there is never one script to follow. Making the mental change from check list-type flying is difficult, but the guys did a great job in learning this mission."

The A-10 pilots worked with the F-16 pilots for several weeks, providing both academic and hands-on instruction.

"We worked with the A-10 pilots for a couple of weeks," said Maj. Scott Gierat, 18th FS weapons officer. "Having the A-10 pilots fly in our backseat allowed for real-time inputs, which made learning this new mission easier."

It was definitely a team effort getting the pilots ready to go.

"The 355th FS did an excellent job helping the 18th FS get trained," said Col. Thomas Hyde, 354th FW operations group commander. "Search and rescue is like an art form. Ninety percent of the mission is command and control and learning how not to compromise the position of the downed service member. The pilots in the 18th (FS) picked up the techniques quickly and are ready to roll."

Nearly 100 operational support people also deployed from Eielson AFB to Operation Northern Watch. Most will be deployed for 90 days. (Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces News Service)