Angeline Leishman
Huntington Ingalls Industries prepared U.S. Air Force pilots in Europe for fights against enemy aircraft during the first-ever air combat training mission run by a contractor.
HII said Wednesday the mission in December, which was part of a multi-role operations task order, provided data on the effectiveness, suitability and interoperability of contractor-owned, contractor-operated training for U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Air Forces Africa.
At Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, USAFE-AFAFRICA pilots practiced aerial warfare against adversary aircraft provided by HII teaming partner Top Aces to help improve the airmen’s readiness.
“We presented sophisticated contractor adversary air training with advanced capabilities to a front-line fighter squadron within the unique constraints of Europe’s regulatory and airspace environment,” said Garry Schwartz, president of the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance group within HII’s technical solutions division.
The shipbuilding and professional services company prepared the milestone event for 16 months, formulating a training program and coordinating relevant operational components in Europe.
