Squadron exchange boosts experience

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Gallahan
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Swedish JAS-39 Gripen air and ground crews visited the 493rd Fighter Squadron here Sept. 4 through 12 as part of an international squadron exchange program.

The squadrons competed against each other in 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 1 and 4 vs. 4 air combat maneuvers and tactical intercept missions.

"This training is great because you learn different aspects," said Capt. Brian Marbach, an F-15 pilot with the 493rd FS. "Its possible to stagnate if all we do is fly against one another, so flying against the Gripens really helps keep our skills sharp."

The USAF pilots weren't the only ones to fly away with experience after the exchange, the Swedish pilots also gained a lot.

"Your pilots have a lot of experience in combat operations, some with two wars," said "Wise Guy," a Swedish pilot whose name could not be released due to operational security. "We haven't been to war in over 200 years - since Napoleon."

This is the first time these Swedish air and ground crew visited RAF Lakenheath, but that doesn't mean it's the last time the squadrons will see each other.

"Hopefully [the 493rd FS] will be coming out to our place next June," he said. 

The Gripens next experience with American pilots will be during Red Flag-Alaska.