‘Aggressors’ support Northern Edge air operations

  • Published
  • By Army Spc. Brooks Fletcher
  • 20th Public Affairs Detachment
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  "We are the bad guys. We are the 'Aggressors'," said Tech Sgt. Gary Pursley, flight line expeditor, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit of the 18th Aggressor Squadron. 

Sergeant Pursley, along with the rest of the Airmen in the 18th AMU, play an important role in Northern Edge 2008, an annual joint-training exercise that takes place in Alaska, May 5 through 16. 

While Sergeant Pursley circled the flight line in what many in the squadron refer to as a 'bread truck,' walkie-talkies relayed an array of information pertaining to incoming and outgoing aircraft. 

"I direct maintenance and whatever needs to be done," Sergeant Pursley said. "I inform the flight line personnel on where [they need to be] and what they need to do." 

A modification made to the F-16 prior to the joint exercise, was affixed wing-tanks, an adjustment made in order for the aircraft to maintain longer flight times without having to refuel as they fly above Alaska. 

With the increasing workload, the squadron is under 24-hour operations, ensuring all aircraft are at full operability. 

"The more you fly, the more you need to do maintenance," said Segeant Pursley. "Everyone here involved in the air-centric operation piece of Northern Edge flies against us; if the jets aren't maintained, then who will they fly against." 

Staff Sgt. Dustin Stewart, also a crew chief with 18th AMU advocated the core of maintenance. 

"We make sure [the aircraft] are serviceable and fixed right the first time," said Stewart.
The 18th AMU is just one section of the 18th AGRS, Eielson's joint and allied aircrew that prepares its combat air force through a 'know, teach and replicate' philosophy. The other component of the 18th AGRS is the 18th Fighter Squadron, which is the operations aspect of the aircraft unit. 

According to Maj. Rich Sumner, F-16 pilot, 18th FS, their purpose is knowing the tactical mindset of how pilots from various countries operate, in order to teach our pilots how to best counter the moves of their opponents. 

Major Sumner, in his first Northern Edge exposure, feels this exercise is helpful for their squadron. 

"The key is that [our crews] get a realistic representation of possible threats," said Major Sumner. 

With approximately 18 F-16 aircrafts, crews of experienced pilots, aircraft specialists and crew chiefs, the Aggressors of Eielson are more than capable of supporting Northern Edge 2008.