Sabers enhance capabilities training in Las Vegas Published April 8, 2009 By Capt. James Kepka 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- After enduring a very cold, wet winter in Germany, the 23rd Fighter Squadron and Aircraft Maintenance Unit deployed to the warm, flying schedule-friendly weather of Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron relocated more than 140 personnel and 16 F-16CJ aircraft for seven weeks in support of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Exercise RED FLAG 09-03 and Exercise GREEN FLAG 09-05. Three maintenance support squadrons from Spangdahlem AB, the 52nd Component Maintenance Squadron, Equipment Maintenance Squadron and Maintenance Operations Squadron, also deployed 70 personnel to provide expertise such as aircraft phase inspections, egress system specialists, fuel system specialists, aircraft structural maintenance specialists and plans and scheduling. During the first two weeks, the men and women of the 23rd AMU maintained aircraft in support of the USAF Weapons School where they flew 219 sorties for a total of 329.5 hours. The 23rd FS provided a realistic air-to-air combat environment for the training of F-22 and F-15C/E Weapon's School pilots. The next major exercise was RED FLAG 09-03. This was a three week exercise where 279 sorties and 418 hours were flown. RED FLAG 09-3 was the largest exercise in the history of RED FLAG. The exercise included 11 different aircraft from three countries as well as the U.S. Navy. It provided the 23rd FS operators with a multitude of training opportunities to fine-tune their skills eliminating threats from the battlefield, while the rest of the exercise team participants focused on their mission objectives. This training was pivotal to the integration of the world's best air forces. The 23rd FS and AMU quickly transitioned to Exercise GREEN FLAG 09-05, employing live munitions and 20-mm rounds on various ground targets. The weapons section loaded more than 253,000 pounds of bombs and 47,000 rounds of 20-mm ammunition. This training not only helped the 23 FS pilots gain confidence and proficiency at putting bombs on target, but it also allowed another joint opportunity with the US Army. The AMU's weapons section also benefited from having the ability to load ammunition and a multitude of precision guided munitions. The 6th Combat Training Squadron also used the training to educate the Joint Tactical Attack Controllers. JTACs are forward deployed service members who direct actions of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations. This training not only helps the 23rd FS and AMU spun-up for their air and space expeditionary force rotation, but it also provides the JTACs the only realistic training they receive prior to being forward deployed. The deployed Sabers excelled in every aspect of maintenance, logistics and employment, flying more than 694 sorties and 12,000 hours. The successful support of the Weapons School, seamless integration with allies during RED FLAG and the precision bombing during GREEN FLAG reflect the depth and capabilities of "Team Saber," the 23rd FS and the 23rd AMU.