Pilots Sharpen Skills in Joint Air Exercise
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2024 Northern Lightning, a two-week joint-training exercise held annually at the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, in Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, has just concluded. The exercise involved more than 1,000 servicemembers from nearly 25 units from all across the country. This year’s iteration included the U.S. Air Force, Army and Marines along with their respective reserve and national guard components, preparing its participants for near-peer threats as well as the integration of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft.
“Combat Readiness Training Center Volk Field is one of four CRTC centers in the United States,” said Air Force Maj. Tyler Shaver, Volk Field director of operations.
Volk Field is owned and operated by the Air National Guard which allows for a more flexible learning environment, said Shaver. Units are able to bring their own objectives to Volk Field as they determine is best for their units.
The aircraft hosted this year for Northern were the Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo, Ohio; Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison, Wisconsin; and Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.
The exercise also hosted numerous other units that operated in support of these aircraft from all over the country.
“Northern Lightning is a great training environment, especially for our younger pilots to come out and experience a joint environment,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Randy Kreps, 112th Fighter Squadron Commander. “There are multiple air frames flying with us like the F-35s here. There are Marines, the guard, the reserve, and it is a great training opportunity for us.”
The opportunity to train for fourth and fifth generation fighter integration is critical to ensure the Air Force is able to meet near-peer war fighting needs now and in the future, said Kreps.
“As a pilot it is always good to challenge yourself a little bit, so an environment like this has more aircraft than we would normally see in Toledo,” said Kreps. “There are a lot of opportunities to get better and learn from other units here as well.”
Northern Lightning also provided the opportunity for joint training, with multiple branches and components that took part in this year’s exercise.
