By Air Force Capt. Michael Luangkhot
Special to AlaDefense.com
The 187th Fighter Wing, home of the Red Tails F-35 wing based at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, recently conducted its first hot integrated combat turn (ICT) with live munitions for the Weapons System Evaluation Program at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.
Alabama’s 187th is one of the few Air National Guard units in the country assigned the stealthy, technologically advanced F-35s.
The implementation of hot ICTs on fifth-generation fighter jets allows maintenance and Airmen to refuel and rearm munitions on the F-35A Lightning II while engines remain running, significantly reducing launch and recovery times, providing for a rapid return to combat operations.
“The speed and flexibility enabled by hot integrated combat turns are not just a tactical advantage, but they increase our survivability and operational success,” said Col. Casey “C-Bass” Hall, 187th Fighter Wing Operations Group Commander.
“Every minute saved on the ground in a dispersed operating location allows our forces the ability to project air power exponentially faster, ensuring we remain persistent and formidable across the theater,” he said.
The 187th Fighter Wing’s commitment to readiness and maximizing agile combat tactics requires highly skilled and proficient teams that can execute complex tasks with precision and speed.
U.S. Air National Guard photos by Airman 1st Class Andre Bordlee
“This was the first time executing a hot ICT with live munitions with the F-35, and our airmen made the loading process look extremely smooth,” said Master Sgt. Patrick McNab, Loading Standardization Crew assigned to the 187th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group. “We have been training this for months and are extremely happy with the results.
“Our goal was to turn the jet in under 25 minutes with fuel and munitions, and we accomplished that today.”
The wing’s adoption of hot integrated combat turns represents a leap forward in enhancing agile combat employment as the wing continues its transition and works toward being fully mission-capable.
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