LANGLEY AFB, VA. –
Members of the 71st Fighter Squadron and Aircraft Maintenance Unit returned here Nov. 21, ending a month-long deployment to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
While deployed, more than 200 Airmen and 16 Langley F-15C Eagles supported the U.S. Air Force Weapons School -- an opportunity to improve the combat readiness of the unit and the students at the school.
During the deployment, Langley pilots served as the adversaries or "red air" for the pilots chosen to become chief instructor pilots for the Air Force -- the students going through weapons school.
A typical day's mission included mass aerial engagement between the 16th Weapons Squadron students and 71st pilots, with a mass attack typically consisting of four jets versus eight jets. This is a situation where the students of the 433rd are out numbered and must defend themselves in the sky. Up to 70 aircraft participate in this mission, which is called the mission employment phase. These missions and every encounter within them are watched, reviewed and analyzed on a one-of-a-kind electronic tracking system the called the Red Flag measurement and debriefing system.
Staff Sgt. Jamie Calloway, a 71st FS aircrew life support specialist, and others played a part in the adversary mission.
"We made sure everything on our side went out 100 percent quality assured, and the technology helped," Sergeant Calloway said. The end result made it possible to accomplish the mission.
Although the 71st's main mission is to effectively "fly, fight and win," in the air, they were also able to make a difference in the community, said Lt. Col. Robert Garland, 71st FS commander.
Several Airmen volunteered for an elementary school career day where they served as guest speakers and mentored underprivileged inner-city children, The Air Force core values and the benefits of a career in the Air Force were only a few topics discussed with the children, said Capt. Brandon Tellez, a 71st FS volunteer.
Members of the 71st FS/AMU also volunteered as escorts and scorekeepers for the Southwest Special Olympics Golf Tournament. The event promoted teamwork and provided physically challenged athletes with an opportunity to compete with others in the region.
"We all realized they had a great understanding of teamwork even when competing against each other," said Staff Sgt. Ephraim Stacy, 71st FS aircrew life support specialist. "It reminded me a lot of what they teach us in the Air Force," Sergeant Stacy said.
The 71st was able to accomplish everything the mission asked for as well as reach out into the community.
"It was a flawless TDY, and we could not have been happier," said Capt. Brady Poe, the 71st AMU lead maintenance officer in charge.