New Aggressors

It seems that we are returning to the combat training era of the 1980s as the Navy and Air Force activate new aggressor squadrons.

First, the Air Force reactivated the 65th AS at Nellis, using F-15s for the first time as an aggressor. Then, they announced a new aggressor squadron would be forming at Eielson AFB in Alaska:


Release No. 030706
July 28,2006

New Aggressor Unit Stands Up in Alaska

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Air Force will activate the 18th Aggressor
Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

The mission of the 18th Aggressor Squadron is to provide realistic,
combat adversary training in air, space, and information operations.
Aggressor squadrons use enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures to
give a realistic simulation of air combat.

The unit will stand up with 18 F-16 Block 30s and will later expand to
24 fighter aircraft. The squadron will be ready to provide aggressor
training for Red Flag - Alaska exercises in Spring 2007. The squadron
will also support training and exercises throughout the Pacific region
and additional requirements of the 57th Aggressor Tactics Group at
Nellis AFB, Nev.

The designation of the 18th for this Aggressor Squadron continues its
long history in the Pacific.



On October 31st, the Navy created a new unit VFC-111 at Key West NAS, using a previous detachment from VFC-13.

Now, the Air Force is proposing increasing the 64th and 65th AS.