RAF Tornados return to Red Flag Published March 9, 2012 By Senior Airman Brett Clashman 99th Air Base Wing/Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Members of No. 2 Army Cooperation Squadron, Royal Air Force, are participating in the Red Flag 12-3 air-to-air combat exercise here Feb. 27 through March 16. Wing Commander Nick Tucker-Lowe, squadron commanding officer, said the RAF participates in Red Flag because the training and experience of working with allied forces in large scale combat operations is invaluable to Great Britain's combat readiness. "This is great exposure for my junior pilots and weapons systems officers that are preparing to deploy to Afghanistan later this year," Tucker-Lowe said. "Being fully integrated in a joint environment better prepares us for future combat missions." Tucker-Lowe said he handpicked his squadron's participants based on their training needs. As Red Flag brings together many flying and technological assets that are not routinely available to the RAF in smaller scale exercises, he said the exercise gives his unit unique training opportunities. "Whether it's a professional specialization or a broader perspective of how other allied forces conduct their business the training is unlike any other exercise," he said. No. 2 Squadron flies the Tornado GR-4 attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons and specializing in all-weather, day and night tactical reconnaissance. "The Tornado was originally designed for the cold war, but because of very effective development over the years, it's as relevant and effect now for current operations." The RAF's ground support team ensures the aircraft are kept ready to fly during the exercise. "You can't fly an aircraft without a top team of engineers, intelligence officers, and other support elements," Tucker-Lowe added. "They're as much a part of that combat mission as the pilots and weapons systems officers that fly in the aircraft." Tucker-Lowe summarized his unit's experience at Red Flag positively. "Whenever we come to Red Flag, it's always a great honor and a very warm welcome," said Lowe. "This is absolutely the highest class training that's being offered anywhere in the world."
