EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) --
The demonstration is part of the base’s training operations exercising how the 354th FW is able to rapidly generate and launch 42 of the wing’s F-35A Lightning II aircraft. The event provided the opportunity for Airmen to hone readiness capabilities in response to potential real-world contingencies.
“Since our last capability demonstration in December 2020, we have learned a lot about generating F-35s in an arctic environment,” said Col. David Berkland, 354th FW commander. “The 354th FW and Team Eielson stand ready to deliver fifth-generation airpower anytime, anywhere.”
Eielson AFB’s location within the arctic provides an ideal environment for Airmen to conduct large-scale training in extreme cold weather environments to continue to train and enhance readiness.
“Our Airmen from throughout the wing, not just on the flightline, made this exercise a success,” Berkland said. “Whether they support, defend or deliver airpower, the hard work of our entire team of Airmen enabled us to stand up two fifth-generation fighter squadrons here at Eielson.”
Following the capabilities demonstration, the pilots conducted local training sorties in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. The 354th FW the world’s premier fifth-generation fighter wing—ready to compete, deter and win the high-end fight with a diverse, ready and innovative force.