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Fort Worth reservists take part in bi-lateral training

  • Published
  • By Laura Dermarderosian-Smith
  • 301st Figther Wing
FORT WORTH, Texas --  Willka 2007 was an important training exercise for the Chilean air force and a unique training experience for Air Force Reserve Command's 301st Fighter Wing from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth.

Air Force reservists from the F-16 unit traveled to Chile to train in a new environment and to establish a relationship with a U.S. ally.

This exercise took place at Los Condores Air Base in Iquique, Chile. It gave the U.S. and Chilean air forces a chance to familiarize themselves with each other's overall methods of operation in both flying and maintenance. Flying the missions were U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons, KC-135 Stratotanker flown by the Arizona Air National Guard's 161st Air Refueling Wing, and Chile's F-16s and F-5 Tigers.

For the Chilean air force, Willka signified a new phase in its air power. It was the first exercise with new F-16s since the planes became operational a year ago, though the fighters were acquired about two years ago.

"For us, it's very important to have the U.S. Air Force [here], to face another existing operation," said Gen. Cesar Macnamara, chief of the First Air Brigade of the Chilean air force.

Some of the Chilean air force's goals and training objectives included air-to-air operations, air refueling refresher and certification training, and becoming familiar with radio communication terminology.

The deployment was unique for the 301st FW in many ways. It was the first time the Air Force Reserve unit had flown in Chile, said Col. Kevin E. Pottinger, the wing commander, as he recalled many of the countries and training locations in the wing's history.

Training in different environments opens the doors to new experiences and allows for the possibilities of sharpening or diversifying one's combat skills. More importantly, it reinforces one of the U.S. goals to build a common framework for air operations.

"For us," said Col. Tommy Williams, 301st Operations Group commander, "this has been a tremendously beneficial TDY [temporary duty]. But more important for all of us ... is the establishing of relationships, i.e. getting to know people, getting to know how they operate, [the Chileans] getting to know how we operate."

The deployment also gave the American pilots an opportunity to fly against F-5s - aircraft that are no longer in the U.S. inventory.

"The F-5 is small and crafty ... it's a super T-38," laughed Maj. Lane Beene, 457th Fighter Squadron pilot. "It's on steroids, and they've plussed it up."

After a morning flight, Major Beene and Commandante Andres Levia, one of the F-5 pilots, sat on a couch and discussed some of the different strengths and weaknesses in the fighters and how one would capitalize on the advantages and disadvantages.

Training and collaboration on the maintenance side of the house was also part of the exercise. The Chileans welcomed the vast knowledge and expertise the 301st maintainers had to offer.

It may have been a blessing in disguise, as Colonel Pottinger put it, that the C-17 that was supposed to arrive with tools, equipment and additional personnel was delayed a few days. Without the help of Chilean support personnel, the use of their new equipment and Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Walter, 301st Maintenance Squadron production superintendent, there would have been limited flying on day one of the exercise.

Several maintenance sections ultimately worked with the Chileans on their maintenance programs. The fabrication, engine management, aerospace ground equipment and fuels shops set aside some concentrated training time, so the Chileans could benefit from the reservists' 15-plus years with the F-16.

"The AGE shop repaired a piece of support equipment that had been down for months," said Maj. Daniel Dickey, 301st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. "That piece of equipment was instrumental in fixing one of our aircraft."

Many of the technicians who worked side-by-side with the Chileans agreed with Master Sgt. Felipe Mancha, AGE mechanic.

"They are really good and know their stuff," said Sergeant Mancha. "They're just not at a point where they are doing it more efficiently."

Language didn't play a big role in deterring any of the training. Although several 301st FW members speak Spanish fluently, the Chileans had a firm grasp of the English language. Since all of their technical orders are in English, mainly those who can speak or understand English have the opportunity to be a part of the F-16 unit.

During some of his encounters, Master Sgt. Eloy Vinton, quality assurance inspector, asked if they would like him to interpret the TOs for them, but they refused because "they're trying to do everything in English."

No matter what the language, all of the warriors gained valuable experience and friendships that will last a lifetime. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)