Last May,Kelly Hedlund and I were fortunate to be able capture same jet activity that was related to Northern Lightening Counterland Training Exercise. This is a 2 week long exercise based out of Volk Field Readiness Training Center, mainly focuses on air interdiction, close air support and the integration of fourth and fifth generation aircraft. This area is prime F-16 country, so it is not too surprising that the Madison Boys would be part of the training, but the list of aircraft participating in this event include the KC-135s Stratotankers, EA-18 Growler, F-35 Lightening II, T-38 Talons and F-22 Raptor.
We arrived at Volk in time for the 1st departure flight of the day and stayed long enough for them to return. Then we head up to Hardwood Range, we were hoping to catch the F-16s doing some range work. Well, we were in for pleasant surprise, as along with Madison's F-16s we also were treated to several show of force passes, simulated bombing and strafing runs from the F-35s and a few show of force passes from the EA-18s. It was a very good day!
Here are a few images of our images from that day. Be sure to check out our Facebook page.