Checkered Flag 27-1 strengthens joint, coalition air combat readiness

Official Statements

• 325th Fighter Wing, November 12: “Exercise Checkered Flag 27-1 concluded Nov. 5, 2026, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, following more than two weeks of large-scale air combat training focused on readiness and interoperability. The bi-annual exercise integrated fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft and personnel from the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, as well as Royal Canadian and Australian Air Forces to train in simulated contested environments.”

• 325th Fighter Wing, November 12: “Checkered Flag is a multinational training exercise where we all work together and practice our tactics, techniques and procedures so we become more effective,” said RCAF Capt. Spencer Barkes, a CF-18 Hornet pilot assigned to the 409th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, Alberta. “We integrate now so that if conflict arises, we are already a step ahead.”

• 325th Fighter Wing, November 12: “Integrating our CF-18s with F-22s and F-35s allows us to train to a higher standard and alongside advanced technology,” Barkes continued. “Facing those platforms, rather than just sparring among ourselves, gives us invaluable experience.” Maintainers and support personnel worked alongside aircrew to generate and sustain aircraft operations throughout the exercise, demonstrating the teamwork required to support high-tempo flying operations.”

• 325th Fighter Wing, November 12: "Our success is not measured solely by flying hours or sorties generated, but by the high-level interoperability and joint training achieved throughout the exercise," said Scottie Mitchell, 325th Fighter Wing Checkered Flag deputy director. "That success spans the entire spectrum of operations from aircrews in the cockpit to ground maintainers and logistics support personnel, both across visiting units and Tyndall's own wings and squadrons. Together we ensure combat air forces meet critical training requirements while evolving tactics for today's fight."

• 325th Fighter Wing, November 12: “Some Checkered Flag participants also supported Weapons System Evaluation Program -East 27.01, a 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group-led joint exercise that tests air-to-air live fire weapons employment for combat aviators. Combining WSEP and Checkered Flag enabled units to exercise deployment, employment and sustainment functions while conducting live-fire weapons employment. Tyndall's direct access to the Gulf Range Complex draws joint and partner forces with heavy logistic footprints because it simultaneously supports both high-speed maneuvers and live-fire testing over water, effectively eliminating duplicate transit costs and compressed training timelines.”

• 325th Fighter Wing, November 12: "At the end of the day, advanced aircraft are only as effective as the joint team behind them," Mitchell said. "Bringing our aircrew, maintainers and support personnel together in this environment allows us to refine our collective coordination and ensures that our coalition is united, integrated and ready for whatever future contingency comes our way."