Red Flag 19-3 kicks off at Nellis AFB

F-35B aircraft belonging to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, based at the MCAS Yuma, Arizona, are currently involved in the Red Flag 19-3.

Southern Nevada residents may notice an increase in military aircraft activity from July 15 through Aug. 2 as Nellis begins Red Flag 19-3, one of the U.S. Air Force’s largest combat training exercises.

Red Flag exercises provide mission commanders, maintenance personnel, ground controllers, and air, space and cyber operators the opportunity to experience realistic combat scenarios to prepare for future warfare.

The goal of Red Flag 19-3 is to prioritize “first timers’” combat missions, mission commander upgrades and Flag unique experiences for all participants.

“Red Flag began as an air-to-air fight, but it’s evolved into a multi-domain conflict to make sure America’s warfighters from across the Services are ready for tomorrow’s fight.,” said Col. Michael Mathes, 414th Combat Training Squadron commander. “Air, Space, Cyber and Command and Control forces come together in our training environment here at Nellis to ensure that when our nation calls, we can meet and beat our adversaries.”

This iteration of Red Flag includes participants from various services, including the Royal Australian Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines.

Linking participants through teamwork-enforced activities provides a more adaptable force.

Red Flag ensures combat air forces are ready to win the nation’s wars and builds partnerships and interoperability among allies and across multiple domains.

Since its establishment in 1975, Red Flag has provided training for over 506,000 military personnel, including members of approximately 29 allied countries’ air forces, through various exercise scenarios over the skies of the Nevada Test and Training Range.

Source: 57th Wing Public Affairs

Images: George Karavantos