COMACC gets up close look at operations during Nellis visit Published March 21, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Laura Balch Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Gen. William M. Fraser III, Air Combat Command commander, visited here March 7-12 to get a first-hand look at operations and Airmen in action. During his stay, the general participated in Red Flag 11-3, spoke with a variety of Airmen and engaged in a number of events. One of COMACC's primary reasons for visiting Nellis was to view ACC's new Red Flag format, which integrates space and cyberspace operations and extends the exercise from two weeks to three. "As we continue to fight today's fight, one of the things we can't do is just assume away the future," General Fraser said. "We need to stay focused on the potential need for a high-end fight and, in order to do that; we need to integrate all of our capabilities in an effective and efficient manner. By going to three weeks, Red Flag allows us to do that. We can start at a lower level our first week of training, step up the intensity the next week, and then have the most significant impact during the third week when we integrate all of our capabilities across air, space and cyberspace." General Fraser not only viewed Red Flag operations, he also participated in two orientation flights, giving him the opportunity to get an insider's look at how a Red Flag operates from the air. "The first day I was here, I flew on an E-3 [Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System]," General Fraser said. "I had the opportunity to go to the mass pre-brief to see what the scenario was, how forces were going to be used, what forces we're going up against and what the objectives were. Then, aboard the E-3, I saw how that plan was executed. "The second day, I had the opportunity to go to the red side and fly in an F-15 with the 65th Aggressor Squadron," General Fraser continued. "The Aggressors allowed me to see what they were defending, how they were going to defend it, and what tactics, techniques and procedures they were going to use against the blue forces. By flying with them, I got a better appreciation of their mission, and saw how our blue forces performed against the enemy. During the mission debrief, we were able to dig in and critique how both sides did and there was a lot of learning by both sides." In addition to Red Flag, General Fraser also briefly discussed the importance of Green Flag exercises which are conducted 20 times annually and prepare Airmen to work with ground units during a full spectrum of operations during combat deployments. "Green Flag is focused on today's fight," General Fraser explained. "We're integrating and working with our battlefield Airmen, joining up with our battle buddies in the Army, and preparing Airmen to go forward in the theater." In addition to operations, General Fraser also spoke about a topic that the Air Force is promoting to all of its Airmen--resiliency. He explained that the focus of resiliency is for all Airmen to be good wingmen and to take care of each other. He acknowledged that all Airmen deal with stress and that the Air Force's focus is to give Airmen the tools and skills they need to deal with adverse situations, should they arise. "Everybody handles things differently, so by getting [this message of resiliency] forward and by being engaged and getting leadership out there, we're doing very well," General Fraser said. "But we have a ways to go because there are people who still feel that they need to hold things in. We want them to understand that we're here for them, we really care about them, and that it is a sign of strength if they reach out and ask for help. I think resiliency has made us stronger and more effective as a fighting force and individuals." Before departing, General Fraser thanked everyone for the work they are doing at here. "Nellis is a unique place. There's a very diverse mission out here, with a lot of things going on, and I appreciate everything that not only our Airmen are doing, but also what the families are doing and the sacrifices the families make on a day-to-day basis that allow us to do the things that we want to do to serve this great Air Force and our nation."
