EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Despite extremely challenging conditions – bitter cold temperatures of -15 degrees and winds from 15 to 20 knots -- the 354th Operation Support Squadron recently executed Landing Zone Operations (LZO) in the dead of night. Incorporating the use of Night Vision Goggles (NVG), this training marks a first for Pacific Air Forces.
The purpose of this training was to test the ability of the Airfield Operations Flight and Weather Flight to conduct operations in Arctic conditions and austere locations. Landing zone officers in the Airfield Operations Flight play a critical role in ensuring efficient aircraft operations at a designated landing zone by guiding aircraft, managing hazards, and coordinating all ground operations in real time, no matter the visibility of the area.
“It was a blackout operation, so there were no lights. We were operating infrared lights, so with the human eye you don’t see anything,” said Capt. Shane Flannelly, 354th OSS Airfield Operations Flight commander. “But under night vision, you’re seeing the airfield lit up.”
NVGs are used to see in low-light or night-time conditions by amplifying the small amounts of light that are already present or detecting infrared energy. Incorporating the NVGs during this training ensures the team can land and take-off anywhere, anytime.
“It's good training because here in Alaska, it’s dark for most of the year,” said 1st Lt. Aaron Yu, 354th OSS Airfield Operations Flight director of operations. “We’re not going to stop just because it’s dark out and we don’t have lights.”
The 354th OSS Weather Flight supported the LZO and coordinated with the air operations flight by providing information and forecasts for weather conditions leading up to and during operations. This ensures aircrews and landing zone officers can make informed, real-time decisions at the designated landing zone.
“The weather flight expertly deployed a micro-weather sensor to the landing zone and successfully tested its functionality in the extreme cold,” explained Flannelly. “Their team responded rapidly and flawlessly, proving invaluable to the operation.”
LZOs enable rapid generation of troops and aircraft to deploy, ensuring timely delivery of supplies and medical evacuations. By reducing risks and boosting flexibility, landing zones play a role in both combat and humanitarian missions across the Indo-Pacific region.