Today we returned from our trip to Hill AFB in Utah, a few days ahead of schedule. We were all scheduled to shoot either an AIM-120 or AIM-9M air-to-air missile, but only 4 out of 10 were able to shoot. The drones ($750k/drone) that are launched for us to target and shoot had problems on day two of the shoot, so we packed up and flew back to Vegas early. Each person doesn't shoot down a drone, but typically 4-5 people are able to shoot at the same one. They will turn the drone around far enough away or use flares to defeat most of the missile shots. I've never shot a missile before, so it was a little disappointing. But, we were able to enjoy a few days away from the desert heat and a less stressful schedule.
The first two months of WIC are almost over and the time has gone fast so far. We finished defensive counter air (DCA) last week, and are moving on the air-to-ground phase. In DCA we simulate we're protecting a high value target from the enemy...both fighter and bomber aircraft. Our enemy bombers were simulated by US B-1s, flying 600 mph at 500' off the desert floor. Merging with a B-1 at those speeds and that low is a pretty cool thing to see. DCA went pretty well for me with no busts.
Lana and Liam will be back in the USA in approximately one month, and I'm looking forward to having them around more. WIC will continually get more and more difficult, but they'll help to break the stress bubble on weekends. That's all for now...
Our week of simulators in Germany was great, especially the time I was able to spend with Lana and Liam. My schedule was such that I was able to spend all but one night with Lana at a friends house 15 minutes from the base, and do some sight seeing with her as well. Lana had never been to this part of Germany, so we took some time to see Cochem Castle, Trier, and Bernkastel.
The simulators were preparation for this next week's flying, tactical intercepts (TI). We'll be flying as a 4-ship against a number of adversaries, and will be graded as #1 or #3. I spent some time this afternoon working on my research paper and getting ready for tomorrow's flight. The jet lag is slowing my work ability, so we're going to grab some Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner.
