First-ever Stealth Guardian kicks off

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ryan Callaghan
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs

*Editor’s note: Full names have been left out for security purposes.

Airmen from the 23rd Wing and the 325th Fighter Wing will integrate rescue and 5th generation assets during the first-ever Exercise Stealth Guardian Aug. 7 through 11 here and at Moody AFB, Georgia.

Stealth Guardian will test aircrews and maintainers alike with real-world exercise scenarios similar to a deployed or contingency environment. The exercise is designed to force new tactics and innovative uses of existing technology to execute complex rescue scenarios.

“I’m excited to work alongside the Raptor community and gain a better understanding of how we can integrate our capabilities," said Captain Nelson, exercise planner and HC-130J Combat King II instructor pilot. "Stealth Guardian is going to simulate a very bad day for a pilot and will challenge the crews flying the mission. Most importantly, it will further enable us to carry out the [combat search and rescue] mission when called upon."

The F-22 Raptor is a big piece of the Stealth Guardian puzzle and will demonstrate its ability to provide air superiority in austere locations at a moment’s notice.

“We’re providing combat air power, just the same as we always do,” said Major Ryan, 95th Fighter Squadron pilot. “The difference this week is the way we’re going to do it alongside these other Air Force assets.”

In addition to the HC-130J and F-22 airframes, HH-60G Pave Hawks, A-10C Thunderbolt IIs and T-38 Talons will participate in the exercise.