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Although there was no international participation during Red Flag 15-3, there were over 115 aircraft from a number of different units. The exercise, which ran from July 13-31, 2015, included F-15E Strike Eagles from Mountain Home AFB, F-15Cs from the "Bayou Militia" - the 122nd Fighter Squadron of the Louisiana Air National Guard and F-16s from both Shaw AFB and Spangdahlem AB in Germany. In addition to the resident aggressor squadrons at Nellis, other invitees included B-52Hs from Minot AFB, F-22A Raptors from Tyndall AFB and E-3As, KC-135s and RC-135s from Tinker, McConnell and Offutt AFBs respectively. The Navy and Marines also participated by sending Hornets from VMFA-115 (MCAS Beaufort), EA-6B Prowlers (MCAS Cherry Point) and EA-18G Growlers (NAS Whidbey Island).
Aviation Photojournal was fortunate enough to fly with the Red Flag KC-135Rs as they provided refueling support for Red Flag 15-3 including F-15Cs of the122nd FS and F-22A Raptors of the 95th FS "Boneheads." Occurring in the middle of the summer, this Red Flag was predictably hot, topping 105 degrees most days. Yet, the pilots and ground crews didn't miss a beat in making sure their practice was perfect. Here's to 40 years of Red Flag, and beyond!