Scott Nicholas
The U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force have conducted joint close air support exercises with two Lockheed Martin-built F-35A Lightning II aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base.
Members of the 3rd Ranger Battalion visited Eglin to simulate the communication operations, fire support planning as well as laser range and target location operations during a close air support mission, the Army reported Thursday.
“It was a great opportunity to share tactics and showcase some of the unique capabilities we have with [the F-35A],” said Maj. Christopher Collins, a 33rd Operations Support Squadron pilot.
“The common guidelines of the joint doctrine allow us to operate seamlessly across a broad spectrum of different scenarios in the safest, most efficient manner.”
The exercise also allowed rangers to familiarize with the F-35 and develop ground troop support strategies for possible future missions, the report said.
