14 April, 2024 - Nellis Training Detachment, Week 11

[Trim]

On 4/14/2024 VFA-41 participated in a combined forces exercise conducting a search and rescue mission to recover a downed pilot.

VFA-41 forces split into three flights. Dealer 1 and Dealer 2 provided close air support for the CH-47 performing the extraction. Dealer 3 was on CAP patrol to control the airspace around the area.

Dealer 3 was notified by AWACS of a pair of F-5 fighters approaching the area. Dealer 3 intercepted the pair and shot them both down. Later Dealer 3 was advised of a flight of three Tornados also approaching the area. Again, Dealer 3 intercepted and eliminated the threat. Although one Dealer 3 aircraft was hit by a simulated missile from one of the Tornados.

Dealer 1 and 2 were passed grid coordinates of the area the down pilot was believed to be in as well as some enemy forces heading that way. Dealer 1 and 2 headed to the site and spotted blue smoke from the pilot. Dealer 1 and 2 then proceed to target the approaching enemy ground units.

Although under fire the CH-47 were able to retrieve the down pilot and exit the area.

All flights then departed the area, refueled from a KC-135, and then returned to Nellis AFB.

Dealer 1:
Trim - Landed
NoPro - Ground Targets Hit, Landed
Chaos - Ground Targets Hit, Landed

Dealer 2:
Rhino - Ground Targets Hit, Landed
Sven - Ground Targets Hit, Landed

Dealer 3:
Mr. Bean - 1 F-5, 3 - Tornados, Landed
Razor - 1 F-5, Hit by Tornado, Landed

[Hedgehog]

Pilot records updated.