report by: Thierry Letellier
NAS Fallon and the Fallon Range Training Complex and NSAWC host, in this month of august 2015 the Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW 5). They are the Navy’s premier integrated strike warfare training facilities. Its mission is to support carrier air wings preparing for deployment and host joint and multinational training and exercises. Known throughout the Navy as the only facility in existence where an entire carrier air wing can conduct comprehensive training while integrating every element of the wing into realistic battle scenarios.
August 2015 marked the changing of the guard for the United States Navy’s 7th fleet with the USS George Washington (CVN-73) beginning its 10 day hull swap with the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). This swap is a part of the U.S. Navy’s force structure change that involves three separate aircraft carriers. As a part of this change, the USS Ronald Reagan will relieve the George Washington as the U.S. Navy’s only continuously forward deployed aircraft carrier(and largest) carrier strike group. in the world based in Yokosuka, Japan
Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW 5) conducting an intensive training program at NAS Fallon before their deployment aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) their new aircraft carrier. Carrier Strike Group 5, (CSG 5 or CARSTRKGRU 5), is the U.S. Navy carrier strike group assigned to the United States Pacific Fleet, the U.S. 7th Fleet. The Strike Group Flagship is the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) which also embarks Strike Warfare Commander, Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW 5) and its nine squadrons. USS Ronald Reagan and the ten surface combatant ships operate out of Yokosuka, Japan, while CVW 5 operates out of NAF Atsugi, Japan.
The Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) at Naval Air Station Fallon is the center of excellence for naval aviation training and tactics development. NSAWC provides service to aircrews, squadrons and air wings throughout the United States Navy through flight training, academic instructional classes, and direct operational and intelligence support. This integrated Air Wing Training uses air-to-ground scenarios in a complex threat environment. Fallon training is essential to the combat readiness before the air wings can deploy. During this Carrier Air Wing Training, a massive use of the Range Training complex is conducted.
The Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC)is located in western Nevada approximately 50 NMI east of Reno, NV. It is enclosed within a Military Operating Area (MOA) which overlays 6.5 million acres. Embedded within the MOA are four separate training ranges: Bravos 16, 17, 19, and 20; an integrated air defense system comprised of 37 real or simulated radars throughout the Dixie Valley area; and a supersonic flying area. The four ranges and various electronic warfare sites comprise 84,000 acres of withdrawn land (1.3% of the MOA). The complex provides a Tactical Aircrew Combat Training Systems (TACTS), an electronic warfare (EW) range, a wide variety of air-to-ground targets, and extensive airspace all contributing significantly to Fleet air training operations. Aircraft tracking service is available in the TACTS area for TACTS-capable aircraft. This complex is controlled by NAS Fallon.
This visit led and organised in a masterful way, by Mr “ Zip” Upham was in every aspects; fully conform to my best expectations. Globalairpower would like to express Mr Upham , its most sincere thanks for this unforgettable moment.