Holloman hosts allied forces

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jamal Sutter
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The U.S. Army and the Canadian army recently wrapped up a month long joint training exercise in preparation for the Canadian's deployment to Afghanistan.

During Exercise Southern Bear, more than 2,500 soldiers completed convoy training, improvised explosive device training and other combat training at Camp Donna Ana, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Fort Bliss served as a creditable representation of what soldiers could expect while in Afghanistan, which is one of the reasons why the training was done there.

"Fort Bliss easily replicates what Afghanistan looks like in terms of geography and climate," said Canadian Capt. Derek Crabbe, operations officer for the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. "This time of year, back in Canada, most places are covered by two to three feet of snow."

During the exercise, Captain Crabbe was involved with training the Canadian forward air controllers for their combat ready testing to deploy overseas.

"We brought down six Canadian CF-18 Hornets to participate in the exercise," Captain Crabbe said. "We've also been working with the local A-10 National Guard unit."

While Holloman didn't play a direct role, it was still key in the success of the exercise.

Once settled in, they were able to operate on their own, said Wayne Paddock, 49th Fighter Wing, chief of wing plans and inspections. Upon arrival, the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron conducted reception and bed down. After that, the Canadian airmen were given the communication and operation support needed, while the 49th Maintenance Group was able to help with munitions.

"What we hosted was the aviation element," Mr. Paddock said. "The F-18s were providing close air support for the army."

Captain Crabbe explained that Holloman was the staging ground for the Canadian Hornets, which launched and recovered here.

There were about 70 pilots, maintainers and munitions personnel from the 425th Tactical Fighter Squadron here, Mr. Paddock said.

With joint training, everyone has a key part to play, Captain Crabbe said.

"Every part of the task force brings their own element to the fight," he added. "Only by working together will you really understand the ins, outs and requirements of those other elements."

The Canadian army and air force are, now, back in Canada, where more training will be done before their scheduled deployments in April and September.