Mission planning took place on 8, 15 and 22 September between the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron and the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron. Weapons officers and squadron leaders have been building the groundwork for long-term integration, with early lessons already shaping tactics, techniques and procedures.
The effort now links the 38th RS and 343rd RS Rivet Joint aircrews with the 43rd ECS and 41st ECS Compass Call crews. Officials said the plan has expanded since its early stages and now brings all four squadrons into a more capable joint enterprise.
Capt Wesley Ballinger, 38th RS weapons and tactics flight chief, said the Rivet Joint is integrating rapidly with the EA-37B to refine operations. Capt Jasmine Harris, 38th RS weapons and tactics flight commander, said: “The synergistic integration of Rivet Joint’s intelligence gathering with Compass Call’s electronic warfare capabilities has proven to be a game-changer on the modern battlefield. We’re not simply flying sorties; we’re creating a new paradigm. By refining tactics, techniques, and procedures, we’re ensuring our forces maintain a decisive advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum.”
Ballinger added that this depth of cooperation is without precedent for the two aircraft. He said: “This level of sustained, continuous integration has never been conducted before by these two assets. Both assets complete specific actions in the kill-chain, and now the kill-chain is being refined into a faster, robust, and more lethal tool, the future of electromagnetic warfare belongs to the United States.”
Officials noted that while other assets integrate, this event is distinct because both aircraft belong to Air Combat Command and the 55th Wing. Each has a defined role in targeting and engagement, and together they represent the cutting edge of US electromagnetic capabilities shaping future conflict.
Capt Drake Ronnau, 38th RS weapons and tactics officer, said: “With the future of warfare lying in the electromagnetic spectrum, it is crucial we sharpen our skills and increase interoperability to ensure we maintain proficiency in arguably one of the most important domains in the battlespace.” He added that regular training will be needed to maintain this standard.
From now on, four sorties per month will operate between Offutt Air Force Base and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. The Air Force said the EA-37B has never before taken part in sustained integrated sorties with any other asset.
Source: U.S. Air Force.
