EOP visits Eielson

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lieutenant Evette Wissler
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  A group of general officers from 16 different countries toured part of the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex at Eielson AFB Monday as part of Pacific Air Forces Executive Observer Program.

On the drive to the range, guests were given an overview of capabilities and weaponry by Capt. Ariane Greenman, 353rd Combat Training Squadron Chief of threats and accreditation. Once on site at Observation Point Sierra, participants were treated to a show of force including Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, Japan Air Self Defense Force Stinger teams and evasive maneuvers by a C-130 and A-10 aircraft.

The EOP is designed to present PACAF's premier multinational Large Force Employment exercise while building partnerships with Senior Air Power Leaders from the global community.

"The Executive Observer Program is a rare opportunity for Team Eielson to showcase the unique capabilities the JPARC offers for joint training," said Brig. Gen. Jim Post, 354th Fighter Wing commander. "It helps us build enduring relationships with coalition forces and allies that will assist us in our engagements overseas."

Senior leaders from Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Spain and Thailand met in Anchorage for a golf social to start off the tour.

The remainder of their visit included briefings about RED FLAG-Alaska, including Air Force capabilities, resources and challenges, as well as sight-seeing events in both Anchorage and Fairbanks.

"The EOP has three goals," said Lt. Col. Kevin Wenks, PACAF International Affairs Policy Chief. "First is to showcase the great training that takes place in Alaska, second is to highlight the support that we enjoy from civic leaders, and third is to demonstrate the Air Force's commitment to building international partnerships."

During the visit, several international participants were impressed with the joint training that occurs during RF-A.

"The Army and Air Force joint training is encouraging," said Brig. Gen. C.J. Coats, 1st Wing commander, Canada. "This is how we work in Iraq."

According to Air Commodore Ian Meyn, Director General Aerospace Development, Australia, it's challenging to keep JTAC training current in his country. "It's nice to see the Army interaction," he said.

Participants in the EOP have seen many ranges and note that although they are all impressive, the ranges in Alaska are much different.

"In Canada, we have Maple Flag, which is like RED FLAG," said Brigadier General Coats. "We have the same advantages of a large unimpeded training area, but the threat assemblies here are impressive. Our threats are often simulated."

The tour ended at Eielson Air Force Base, with a group photo in front of coalition aircraft in the Thunderdome.

"Our hope is that participants will benefit by building personal and professional ties that will serve us well either deployed with coalition forces or in response to crises," said Lt. Col. Wenks.