The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group at Tyndall Air Force Base formally evaluates live-fire capabilities under the program. The training gives aircrews the opportunity to launch live missiles against realistic maneuvering targets while maintenance personnel practice loading live munitions.
By combining Checkered Flag and WSEP East, Tyndall created a training scenario that tested air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities at the same time. The exercise used the Gulf Range Complex to support advanced live-fire mission profiles.
“The Gulf Range Complex provides an invaluable platform to project combat airpower,” said Maj. Tyler Davidson, 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron F-22 program manager. “It’s one of the only places that we can truly go out and exercise full live weapons mission profiles, actually employ these weapons at the edges of the envelope against live flying drones and be able to get real-time data.”
During the exercise, F-35A Lightning II and F-22 Raptor aircraft operated with fourth-generation platforms, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler. Support aircraft, including the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, provided command, control and refueling functions.
“The E-2D Hawkeye provides command and control — our primary role is to paint the combat zone picture,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Sydney Rodriguez, an Airborne Command and Control Squadron avionics electrician technician.
“We detect targets long before the fighter jets do. We identify the threats first and relay that tactical picture, ensuring the fighters successfully engage their required targets,” Rodriguez added.
The Air Force said Checkered Flag remains a key venue for advanced air-to-air training involving joint and coalition participants. Many units fund their own participation to gain experience in the high-end integration environment.
According to the service, the exercise’s access to advanced ranges and demanding training conditions supports development of a more capable and unified global response force. The 325th Fighter Wing continues to adapt the event to reflect evolving threats and operational requirements.
Tyndall is also upgrading infrastructure to support higher classification levels and incorporate lessons from operational testing. The Air Force said these efforts are intended to help prepare crews and maintainers for future combat conditions.
Checkered Flag is designed to bridge advanced training and real-world combat operations through live-fire and integrated mission scenarios. The service said the exercise prepares aviators and maintainers to deliver combat airpower in demanding operational environments.
