Exercise Salamander concludes

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Eric Burks
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Exercise Salamander, a joint training exercise involving U.S. and French air force aircraft and airmen concluded at Cazaux Air Base, France, Nov. 18.

Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, and approximately 100 Airmen from the 56th and 57th RQSs participated in the exercise with French air force members and helicopters.

For two weeks, the U.S. Pave Hawks flew combat search and rescue training missions with French air force EC-725 Caracal helicopters from the 1/67 Pyrénées Squadron, as U.S. Guardian Angel team members from the 57th RQS teamed with French air force commandos from parachutiste de l'air n° 30 (CPA 30).

Lt. Col. Bernard Smith, 56th RQS commander, said, “Exercise Salamander was the perfect environment to prepare our Airmen for combat missions. From complex rescue scenarios to advanced tactical employment of a multi-platform combat search and rescue task force, the French air force delivered.

“Our brothers and sisters in the 1/67 Pyrénées Squadron were not just gracious hosts, they brought the élan they are famous for, proving with every challenge and mission we flew together they are world class combat rescue airmen,” he said. “I look forward to continuing this valued friendship as both nations strive to honor our sacred mission that no person is left behind.”

Lt. Col. Jose Cabrera, 57th RQS commander, said, “Exercise Salamander gave our pararescuemen a unique opportunity to train with French commandos on military free-fall, small unit tactics, and technical rescue skills.”

During the last week of the exercise, he said, the U.S. and French teams integrated to conduct multiple CSAR operations.

“Overall it was a great learning experience for all,” Cabrera said.

Smith said 56th Helicopter Maintenance Unit Airmen from the 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron surged to deliver 36 sorties and more than 136 hours in two weeks, representing a 125 percent increase in operations.

“Like always, our maintenance Airmen produced amazing results, including the incredible feat of a complete engine change at a remote airfield in France, six hours away from our exercise location,” he said. “Their diligent preparation and remarkable skill resulted in the engine swap occurring in record time and with zero loss of mission sorties.”