301st FW participates in bi-lateral training exercise

  • Published
  • By Laura Dermarderosian-Smith
  • 301st Figther Wing
Fort Worth, TEXAS --  WILLKA 2007 was an important training exercise for the Chilean Air Force and a unique training experience for our hometown-based F-16 fighter unit. 

The 301st Fighter Wing took advantage of this opportunity to train in a new environment and to establish a relationship with one of the United States' allied partners. 

This exercise, which took place at Los Condores Air Base in Iquique, Chile, gave the U.S. and Chilean Air Forces a chance to familiarize themselves with each other's overall methods of operation in both flying and maintenance. Flying the missions were U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons, KC-135 Stratotanker flown by the Arizona Air National Guard's 161st Air Refueling Wing, and Chile's F-16s and F-5 Tigers. 

For the Chilean Air Force, WILLKA signified a new phase in their air power. This was their first exercise with their new F-16s since becoming operational a year ago, though they acquired the fighters about two years ago. 

"For us, it's very important to have the U.S. Air Force [here], to face another existing operation," remarked Gen. Cesar Macnamara, Chief of the First Air Brigade, Chilean Air Force. 

Some of their goals and training objectives included air-to-air operations, air refueling refresher and certification training, and becoming familiar with radio communication terminology. 

This deployment was unique to the 301st FW in many ways. This was the first time this Reserve unit has flown in Chile, noted wing commander Col. Kevin E. Pottinger, as he recalled many of the countries and training locations in the wing's history. 

Training in different environments opens the doors to new experiences and allows for the possibilities of sharpening or diversifying one's combat skills. More importantly, it reinforces one of the United States goals to build a common framework for air operations. 

"For us," said Col. Tommy Williams, 301st Operations Group commander, "this has been a tremendously beneficial TDY [temporary duty]. But more important for all of us ... is the establishing of relationships, i.e. getting to know people, getting to know how they operate, [the Chileans] getting to know how we operate." 

This deployment also gave the pilots an opportunity to fly against F-5s -- aircraft that's not in the U.S. inventory. 

"The F-5 is small and crafty ... it's a super T-38," laughed Maj. Lane Beene, 457th Fighter Squadron pilot. "It's on steroids and they've plussed it up." 

Following a morning flight, Major Beene and Commandante Andres Levia, one of the F-5 pilots, sat on the couch and discussed some of the different strengths and weaknesses in the fighters and how one would capitalize on the advantages and disadvantages. 

Training and collaboration on the maintenance side of the house was also part of the exercise, the Chileans welcomed the vast knowledge and expertise of the 301st maintainers. 

It may have been a blessing in disguise, as Colonel Pottinger put it, that the C-17 that was supposed to arrive with tools, equipment and additional personnel was delayed a few days. Without the help of Chilean support personnel, the use of their new equipment and Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Walter, 301st Maintenance Squadron production superintendent, there would have been limited flying on day one of the exercise. 

There were several sections that ultimately worked with the Chileans on many of their maintenance programs. The fabrication, engine management, aerospace ground equipment (AGE) and fuels shops set aside some concentrated training time mainly because the Chileans could benefit from the Reserve's 15-plus years with the F-16. 

"The AGE shop repaired a piece of support equipment that had been down for months, that piece of equipment was instrumental in fixing one of our aircraft," said Maj. Daniel Dickey, 301st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. 

Many of the technicians who worked side-by-side with the Chileans agreed with Master Sgt. Felipe Mancha, AGE mechanic, "They are really good and know their stuff, they're just not at a point where they are doing it more efficiently." 

Language didn't play a big role in deterring any of the training. Although several 301st members spoke fluent Spanish, the Chileans had a firm grasp of the English language. Since all of their technical orders (TOs) are in English, mainly those who can speak or understand English have the opportunity to be a part of the F-16 unit. 

During some of his encounters, Master Sgt. Eloy Vinton, quality assurance inspector, asked if they would like him to interpret the TOs for them, but they refused because "they're trying to do everything in English." 

No matter what the language, all of the warriors gained valuable experience and friendships that will last a lifetime. 

Sidebar: 301st personnel share their expertise and time

When the 301st Fighter Wing deployed to Iquique, Chile, to participate in WILLKA 2007, a bi-lateral training exercise with the U.S. and Chilean Air Forces, they were helping to
build upon a common framework for conducting operations. 

As in any exercise, there is lot that people can learn from each other, especially when they are willing to share their expertise and experience. Many of the Airmen from the 301st Maintenance and Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons, who have worked on F-16s for years, spent a little more time interacting with their Chilean counterparts. 

Master Sgt. Jose Rodriguez, 301st survival equipment technician, was one of the reservists that worked with his counterparts. Armed with a sewing machine, he gave them some tips that he learned and perfected over the years on how to repair parachutes and assemble anti-exposure suits. 

The fuels section was another area 301st personnel were able to help. Tech. Sgts. Steven Van Kleeck and Randy Loyer worked side-by-side with the Chilean fuels technicians to set up their new universal external tank certifier. In addition, Master Sgt. Kevin Nelson, who works in the non-destructive instrumentation section, was showing his counterpart how to operate a jet scan for when they receive theirs. 

Both engine management and aerospace ground equipment (AGE) shops spent time working on equipment and sharing their practices with each other as well.