Alaska's only Air Force Reserve unit has just returned from its first ever group-wide off station annual tour at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii.

"This was an important training opportunity because it allowed us to function as a unit and put our leadership team to new tests that we don't get at home," said Col. Tyler Otten, 477th Fighter Group commander. "Hawaii is a great location; it provided us an opportunity to train in a different environment and to work hand-in-hand with one of our fellow F-22 squadrons at the Hawaii Air National Guard.  They were great hosts and we generated a great relationship."

The group of 175 Airmen from maintenance, operations, civil engineer, security forces and force support were transported to and from Hawaii on a C-5 and four C-17s from Reserve units at Dover AFB and March ARB.

"Utilizing Reserve assets allowed us to save money while also providing a valuable training opportunity for the C-5 and the C-17s," said Maj. Caleb Haley, 302nd F-22 pilot and AT project officer.

One of the largest training events of the two weeks came during the 154th and 15th Wing War Day Sept. 12.

"The Alaska Raptors participated as both Red Air and Blue Air during the War Day," said Maj. Ryan Pelkola, 302nd FS F-22 pilot.  "The Blue Air scenario called for the Raptors to provide continual protection of both the C-17 and the Helicopters. Once the rescue operation was over we conducted high value airborne asset protection for the HIANG KC-135s, which is not normally something they get to do. Training jointly with our fellow PACAF F-22 squadrons prepares us for real world scenarios we could encounter worldwide."

In addition to the six Alaska Raptors that participated in the War Day there were two KC-135s, two C-17s, two Army UH-60s, one P-3 along with numerous Marines, Soldiers and Airmen whose objective was to recover downed aircrew.

"My role in war day was to simulate a member of aircrew downed in hostile territory," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Keyfauver, 477th OSF Intelligence superintendent.  "We were guided by the 154th OSS SERE representatives on in-field academics regarding evasion and survival techniques. We remained 'in character' throughout our entire duration in the field, maintaining evasive actions from the time of aircraft downing to the time of extraction. "

The nine members of the simulated downed aircrew coordinated their extraction with the Joint Personnel Recovery Center via radio calls in accordance with pre-briefed procedures.
The extraction consisted of  PJ's and a JTAC parachuting into the extraction zone, securing the perimeter from hostile forces, and escorting the downed aircrew onto the HH-60's that landed shortly after the area was secure.

"I now believe this experience to be vital in realizing the intelligence requirements in support to personnel recovery," said Keyfauver. " Intelligence personnel are often involved directly with SERE in ensuring that the pilot is familiar with procedures to take if he or she finds themselves in a SERE situation.  Intelligence is responsible for conveying Special Instruction information to pilots pre-mission to ensure that the proper actions are taken on the ground if the situation arises.  Understanding these things and seeing how the Reserve F-22s are integrated into the mission was an invaluable experience."