F-15 Aggressor squadron activated at Nellis

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- After a 16-year absence, the 65th Aggressor Squadron was reactivated Jan. 12. “The 65th and other Aggressor units will provide realistic adversary training in air, space, and information operations,” said Gen. T. Michael Mosely, U.S. Air Force chief of staff, in a letter to Air Force personnel.

He also described the history of the unit as “legendary” and said the new squadron will “directly contribute to the combat capability of our Airmen.”

The 65th is the second Aggressor squadron in three years to be reactivated at Nellis. It joins the existing 64th Aggressor Squadron, but unlike it’s counterpart, which flies the smaller, highly maneuverable F-16 Fighting Falcon, the new squadron will fly the F-15 Eagle.

According to the new squadron commander, Lt. Col. Larry “Bo” Bruce, the F-15 will bring a different replication package to the playing field, which will contribute to the combat capability of the Air Force.

“The purpose of Aggressors is to simulate the enemy during exercises so that if faced with similar situations in combat, the pilot and all support crew will have the training and experience necessary to effectively complete the mission,” said the commander. “By adding an alternate airframe, we are adding new depth to the advanced composite force training team.”

The 65th Aggressor Squadron will participate in Nellis’ Red and Maple Flag exercises and the mission employment phase of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School as well as support training for the Air Force’s newest aircraft, the F-22A.

By May 2006, the squadron is expected to have nine F-15’s in its fleet. Eventually, the number will be increased to 24.

Prior to the deactivation of the squadron in 1989, the pilots flew the F-5E Tiger II. The squadron flew more than 250,000 sorties in more than 1,000 training deployments in the U.S. and overseas.

After the deactivation, the unit was reformed as an adversary division for Red Flag training exercises.