"Emerald Strike" 2023 exercise
The 555th Fighter Squadron “Triple Nickel” kicked off Emerald Strike 2023 exercise, Jan. 27, at the Italian Air Force base of Grosseto, home of the 4° Stormo (Wing), deploying about a dozen of F-16C Fighting Falcons and support personnel from Aviano.
Emerald Strike was a two weeks exercise proper of the 555th Fighter Squadron, designed to optimize the integration of aircraft and to strengthen interoperability during joint operations and air defenses to maintain joint readiness. Exercise such as Emerald Strike hone the skills and enhance the squadron’s ability to generate, employing small teams and reduced number of aircraft, rapid deployments in any remote location and assume command and control of the area of responsibility in an increasingly effective and efficient way, all necessary qualities to face with short notice potential contingencies requiring contribution of air power, both for defense and attack.
As evidenced by different loads fitted under the wings of the aircraft flying in the exercise, the Vipers of the “Triple Nickel” conducted a moltitude of joint operations and air defense training including air-to-air, air-to-ground strike missions and close air support. All over the exercise no air-refueling sorties took place. The Spotters Day on Wednesday 8 Frebuary allowed to document with fantastic photos the take-off and landings actions, as well as taxiing and overflights, performed by green stripe tail F-16s and resident Eurofighters of the 4° Stormo.
The 4° Stormo’s Eurofighters did not participate in the Emerald Strike, as it was an exercise activity proper of the 555th Fighter Squadron, however the deployment of the 555th Fighter Squadron to Grosseto air base has made it possible to carry out joint training missions between Eurofighters and F-16s of a completely different typology to those of the Emerald Strike, generating pre and post flight comparison meeting (Briefing and De-Briefing) with important training feedback for IX Gruppo and 20° Gruppo, that represented an important opportunity, for both Italian and American components, to work together by strengthening interoperability, increasing synergy and standardizing techiniques and procedures.
The Triple Nickel’s objectives are focused on air operations in highly contested environments, coalition planning and effectiveness and logistic consolidation. “Emerald Strike provides our Airman critical opportunities to train how we fight”, said Lt. Col. Rolf Tellefsen, 555th Fighter Squadron Commander, “training with our joint partners increases our capabilities and enhances interoperabilities, allowing our forces to counter military aggression and coercion by sharing responsibilities for common defense”.
The exercise ended on February 10 with return of the green stripe tail F-16s and support personnel involved to home base, Aviano AB.
Renzo Del Bianco
MISSIONS
The 4° Stormo (Wing), named to “Amedeo d’Aosta”, flies single-seat aircraft Eurofighters F-2000A assigned to IX° Gruppo for defense of the Spazio Aereo Nazionale (National AirSpace) and two-seat aircraft TF-2000A assigned to 20° Gruppo OCU, Operational Conversion Unit for pilots destined to the Eurofighters. The airport of the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (Italian Air Force) of Aviano (Aviano Air Base) hosts the 31st Fighter Wing (3rd Air Force / U.S. Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces Africa) which operates F-16C/D assigned to 510th Fighter Squadron “Buzzards” and 555th Fighter Squadron “Triple Nickel”, and helicopters HH-60G “Pave Hawk” assigned to 56th Rescue Squadron jointly “PJ” Pararescue Jump personnel assigned to 57th Rescue Squadron.
Thanks to Sezione Comunicazione Istituzionale and personnel of the 4° Stormo for the availability demonstrated during the event
Sources : Aeronautica Militare; 4° Stormo – Comunicazione Istituzionale; 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs; dvids – Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
"Emerald Strike" Photo Gallery