21 April, 2024 - Nellis Training Detachment, Week 12

[Lion]

Exercise: Bomber SEAD/Fighter Escort
Date: 21 April 2024
Location: Nellis AFB and surrounding airspace

Overview:
The mission tasked DEALER flights with suppressing enemy air defenses and providing fighter escort for a flight of B-52 bombers targeting a simulated enemy oil/fuel storage facility. The mission encountered various challenges, including a mid-air collision involving B-52 bombers, successful engagements of enemy threats, and a minor medical incident.

Incidents and Engagements:

Mid-Air Collision: Unfortunately, one of the B-52s (BUFF flight) collided with another B-52 shortly after mission push due to extremely poor yet resoundingly typical AI airmanship under high visibility conditions. Both aircraft were significantly damaged, resulting in the loss of one bomber.

Enemy Engagements by DEALER 1:
Hedgehog successfully neutralized several enemy SAM sites, contributing significantly to mission safety
Lion and Chaos from DEALER 1 engaged multiple SA-11 TELAR units, with Lion destroying one and Chaos taking out two, as well as an SA-2 site.

Air-to-Air Engagements:
Rhino from DEALER 3 accounted for two Mirage F1 aircraft, demonstrating superior air combat maneuvering and situational awareness.
MrBean and NoPro from DEALER 2 each engaged and destroyed a MiG-21 and an F-16C, effectively neutralizing air threats that could jeopardize the mission.

Casualties and Losses:
Crash from DEALER 1 had to eject over the Nevada desert due to an aircraft malfunction shortly after departure. The pilot was recovered safely with no injuries reported.
Lion from DEALER 1 experienced a minor medical emergency on final approach to Nellis and unfortunately did not survive. Details of the medical issue are still under investigation.

Mission Outcome:
Despite the tragic incidents, the mission objectives were largely met. The remaining B-52s successfully hit their target, demonstrating effective coordination and skill among the participating units.

Recommendations for Future Operations:

Medical Readiness: Enhance pre-flight medical screening and in-flight medical support for all crew members.
Equipment Checks: Increase pre-flight checks and maintenance protocols to prevent technical failures leading to ejections or other emergencies.

Conclusion:
The exercise highlighted the capabilities and areas for improvement within our squadron operations. Lessons learned from this exercise will be invaluable in refining our tactics and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of future missions.


DEALER 1:

1. Lion:
   • 1x SA-11 TELAR kill
2. Chaos:
   • 2x SA-11 TELAR kills
   • 1x SA-2 kill
3. Crash:
   • No engagements due to aircraft malfunction and subsequent ejection
4. Hedgehog:
   • 1x SA-2 track radar kill
   • 1x SA-11 TELAR kill
   • 1x SA-3 radar kill

DEALER 2:

1. MrBean:
   • 1x MiG-21 kill
   • 1x F-16C kill
2. NoPro:
   • 1x MiG-21 kill
   • 1x F-16C kill
3. Razor:
   • No recorded kills

DEALER 3:

1. Rhino:
   • 2x Mirage F1 kills
2. Sven:
   • No recorded kills
3. Trim:
   • No recorded kills

[Hedgehog]

Pilot records updated.