Gunfighters take on Red Flag 24-2 Published March 29, 2024 By Senior Airman Xavier Wilson 366 Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 366th Fighter Wing brought their F-15E Strike Eagles to Red Flag 24-2 from March 11 to 24, 2024. During Red Flag 24-2, U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps personnel across different installations gathered and trained alongside the Royal Netherlands Air Force. “Operating with NATO allies helps ensure that we are all aware of each other's capacity” said Maj. Jeremy Lutes, 366 Fighter Wing air staff director of A3. “That way if we are ever in a conflict, we can effectively handle the threat. Us going out there helps showcase our abilities to other countries and to each other.” Red Flag was born during the Vietnam War, during which the U.S. Air Force lost thousands of Airmen and aircraft in combat. Studies showed that the first ten combat missions were the most dangerous for aircrews so the Air Force came up with a better way to prepare for combat. Since 1975, Air Force aircrews have flocked to Nellis each year to accomplish those first ten combat missions in a realistic, but controlled environment. Red Flag is administered by the 414th Combat Training Squadron at Nellis AFB three times a year and conducted over the 2.9 million square acre Nevada Test and Training Range. “Nellis is the best place on Earth to simulate tomorrow's fight,” said Col. David Stamps, 366th Operations Group Commander. The dedication of all the service's maintenance teams proves no one on the planet generates combat airpower better than the United States and our allies and partners.” Effective teamwork between NATO and the United States is essential for achieving mission success and maintaining air superiority in modern conflicts. By pooling resources, sharing intelligence and coordinating strategies, NATO and the United States can maximize operational efficiency and adaptability, effectively addressing evolving security challenges.