Air Force to fly training missions over Pahrump Published May 17, 2007 Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Urban close air support training flown from Nellis Air Force Base will take place over Pahrump in southern Nevada May 21, 22 and 24. Urban close air support integrates aircraft in support of ground operations by attacking targets in close proximity to friendly troops. The training will start about 9 p.m. on May 21 and 22, and at 11 a.m. on May 24. Aircraft will be in the area for 30-40 minutes. "Most training is conducted in rural locations with targets out in the open on the Nevada Test and Training Range, but in the current combat situation in both Iraq and Afghanistan, our troops on the ground need support in both urban and rural environments, said Maj. Sean Lowe, 17th Weapons School instructor. "Pahrump provides an ideal setting for urban close air support training." The training provides about 40 members from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School's 17th Weapons Squadron and the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, both based at Nellis, the most realistic training without ever dropping a bomb. The Navy HH-60 helicopter and crew will come from HSC-84, Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Major Lowe said this training is some of the best training they can get in situations that aircrew may face. He said it also prepares joint terminal attack controllers for real-world deployments. Joint terminal attack controllers are officers and enlisted Airmen who provide final clearance for aircraft to drop their weapons during close-air-support operations. All the munitions used in the training will be simulated. All jet aircraft conducting the training will be 9,000 feet above ground level and traveling about 400-500 mph. A helicopter will be 500 feet above ground level and traveling about 100-120 mph, generally on the outskirts of town. The next UCAS training exercise is scheduled for October. Anyone with questions about urban close air support training can call the Nellis Public Affairs Office at 702-652-2753 or 1-800-859-3804.
