Raptors Versus Vipers At Homestead

The 482nd Fighter Wing at Homestead ARB, Fla., recently held a large force exercise event in which T-38s, F-22s, and F-16s squared off to simulate real world air combat contingencies. The “CHUMEX” exercise, which wrapped March 4, allowed F-22 Raptors from the 301st Fighter Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Fla., to integrate with fourth generation fighters, enabling Total Force training, said Maj. Bryan Dick, the assistant director of operations for Tyndall’s 301st FS. Airmen from the 482nd FW, who recently returned from “Combat Archer” at Tyndall where they fired live air-to-air missiles, were able to put that training to the test in large force, beyond visual range engagements. The T-38s served as aggressors during the exercise, and helped enhance the aerial combat training for both F-22 and F-16 crews alike, said Capt. Bryan Beasley, a pilot with the 495th Fighter Group, Det. 93 at Homestead. “We’re adding more firepower to the fight and using all the technology available,” he said.