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Old 12-24-2020, 09:36 AM
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Thumbs up America roars back: Air Force launches massive response to joint Russia, China taunt

America roars back: Air Force launches massive response to joint Russia, China taunt
By: Mike Glenn - The Washington Times - 12-24-20
Re: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news...es-massive-re/

Photo link: https://www.washingtontimes.com/mult...6jpg-6a4f2jpg/
In this file photo, a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet prepares to take off at the Osan U.S. Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Thursday, June 18, 2020. (Hong Ki-won/Yonhap via AP)

The U.S. Air Force is flexing its muscle in a dramatic show of force in response to increasingly alarming joint Russian and Chinese bomber patrol missions over the Pacific.

The Air Force’s 354th Fighter Wing and the Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing recently staged exercises at Eielson Air Force Base, located about 25 miles southeast of Fairbanks.

The formation — known in military parlance as an elephant walk — is meant to test the rapid readiness of every flying unit at the base, Air Force officials said.

“The elephant walk isn’t only to practice our abilities to respond quickly,” said Col. David Skalicky, operations group commander for the 354th Fighter Wing. “This is to show our airmen who work behind the scenes what Eielson (Air Force Base) is about. It’s about showing our strength in the Arctic arena.”

Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, said Russia is making a concerted effort to control the Arctic.

“Russia has opened sixteen deep-water ports, fourteen airfields, built Arctic military bases and even formed a new northern Arctic command,” he said. “In recent months, Russian provocation has only increased. In fact, Vladimir Putin has referred to the northern sea route as the new Suez Canal, which he says Russia intends to fully control.”

The Air Force usage of “elephant walk” dates to World War II when large fleets of bombers would taxi down the runway in single file formation. Observers at the time said it looked like a herd of elephants walking to the next watering hole.

At Eielson Air Force Base, the “elephants” included 18 F-35a Lightning II stealth fighters, 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons and two KC-135 Stratotankers. The drill involves the long procession taxiing in close formation before taking off in a show of combat airpower.

“We proved what our team is capable of,” said Col. David Berkland, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing. “Stay tuned, because our combat capability will continue to grow.”

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Personal note: Show and Tell seems to be the ongoing manuvers in all parties per this post. I can't believe Russia & China are on the same page - rather if one does something the other will - just because. So we joined in to make it a three-way. Let's hope nobody gets trigger happy as this could increase the friction and lead to something we all don't really want. But to show our presence in the neutral areas seems to be quite acceptable
for now.

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O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"IN GOD WE TRUST"
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Old 12-24-2020, 09:47 AM
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Arrow This Picture Means You're Dead: Air Force F-35 and F-16 'Elephant Walk'

These Photo(s) Means You're Dead: The Air Force F-35 and F-16 doing their presentation of the 'Elephant Walk'
By: Alex Hollings - National Interest News - 12-24-20
Re: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/re...nt-walk-175099

Photo link: https://nationalinterest.org/sites/d...?itok=ACLGp5Ky
Tags: U.S. Air Force Elephant Walk - Military - F-35F(s) & F-16(s)

Elephant walks like last Friday’s are meant to demonstrate the Air Force’s ability to mount a series offensive or defensive in the event of such a conflict.

Here's What You Need to Remember: The primary reason behind these long-range flights for the Russian pilots, particularly for heavy payload bombers, is simply training. In order to be able to execute these long-range bombing missions in the event of real war, Russian pilots conduct training flights that closely resemble how actual combat operations would unfold.

Last Friday, the U.S. Air Force’s 354th Fighter Wing and the 168th Wing of the Air National Guard conducting a massive display of airpower, commonly referred to as an “elephant walk,” by scrambling more than 30 fighters and two refueling aircraft in just a matter of minutes from the airstrips on Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.

While elephant walks offer an incredible opportunity to take the sort of pictures that have long served as the background on my computer, the real value of the exercise is in testing a unit’s ability to quickly field tactical aircraft in the event of an emergency. It’s also seen as a means of conveying America’s military readiness, which is of particular import in Alaska, where American fighters are often scrambled to intercept Russian nuclear-capable bombers and their escort fighters.

2nd photo link: https://www.sandboxx.us/wp-content/u...WW501-2210.jpg
(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keith Holcomb)

“The Elephant Walk isn’t only to practice our abilities to respond quickly,” said U.S. Air Force Col. David Skalicky, 354th Operations Group commander, “This is to show our Airmen who work behind the scenes what Eielson AFB is about, it’s about showing our strength in the arctic arena.”

The elephant walk took place despite Alaska’s bitter cold, and while the Air Force and guard personnel tasked with the maintenance and operation of all the aircraft maintained proper COVID-19 prevention procedures and social distancing. According to Skalicky, these and other obstacles cannot stand in the way of America’s ability to respond in times of crisis.

3rd photo link: https://www.sandboxx.us/wp-content/u...RQ072-1322.jpg
The formation included 18 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, the Air Force’s most advanced fighter, alongside 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons and two KC-135 Stratotankers.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Beaux Hebert)

The F-35A is the conventional take-off variant of America’s latest 5th generation fighter. It carries four bombs or missiles internally as well as an internal 25mm cannon while maintaining its stealthy profile. The F-16s, unconcerned about stealth, each boast nine hardpoints for externally mounted missiles or bombs and an M61 Vulcan cannon. Compared to all that firepower, the two KC-135 Stratotankers may not seem quite as sexy, but they still play an integral role in supporting combat air operations.

American fighters were scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft near Alaska no fewer than 14 times in 2020. These intercepts often saw U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors escorting Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers away from American airspace, along with Russian fighter and support aircraft like their highly-capable Su-35 Flanker fighter and A-50 airborne early warning aircraft. In other words, Russia often sends some of its best equipment to test America’s ability and willingness to respond.

The primary reason behind these long-range flights for the Russian pilots, particularly for heavy payload bombers, is simply training. In order to be able to execute these long-range bombing missions in the event of real war, Russian pilots conduct training flights that closely resemble how actual combat operations would unfold. As a result, the United States also treats each flight like the threat it legitimately poses, as they tend to unfold exactly as a real war might start.

4th photo link: https://www.sandboxx.us/wp-content/u...cow_Kustov.jpg
Looks like Russian bomber & fighter in this pic.

Elephant walks like last Friday’s are meant to demonstrate the Air Force’s ability to mount a series offensive or defensive in the event of such a conflict.

“Every Airman across the Fighter Wing contributed to today’s event, and we proved what our team is capable of…supporting, defending, or delivering 5th generation airpower and advanced training,” said Col. David Berkland, the 354th FW commander.

“Stay tuned, because our combat capability will continue to grow, and I’m incredibly proud of the disciplined, professional, combat-focused approach our team displayed today.”

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Personal note: Show and tell programs are for public and our defense strength just incase some forget! Not many do!

Boats
__________________
Boats

O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"IN GOD WE TRUST"
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