CAFB trainers duel over East Coast

Pilots assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., hosted Navy and Marine pilots for a duel in the skies above the East Coast on Dec. 1. Pilots came together for basic fighter maneuver (BFM) training to strengthen the strategic capabilities needed to win air-to-air battles. The training, which are scheduled annually, give service pilots the opportunity to test their skills against different aircraft. Participating aircraft consisted of T-38C Talons assigned to Columbus AFB, Miss. and Shaw’s F-16CMs; fifth-generation F-22 Raptors from Tyndall AFB, Fla.; F-18 Hornets form NAS Oceana, Va.; and AV-8B Harriers assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. “It gives the aircraft (pilots) the opportunity to fight other aircraft as opposed to fighting their own.” said Capt. August Derosa, instructor pilot from the 49th Fighter Training Squadron at CAFB. “It provides you with a war-time environment mentality,” said Derosa. The 49th FTS rarely has opportunities to participate in these trainings, according to Derosa, so to “come out and train against other services is a great experience, "said Derosa. The 49th FTS conducts introduction to fighter fundamentals training for more than 75 Air Force and international pilots and Weapon System Officers annually at CAFB. (Source: 20th Fighter Wing 12/06/17)