A partnership across nations

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Crystal M. Jordan
  • 917 Wing Public Affairs Office
Barksdale Air Force Base, La. --  America, the land of the free and home of the brave, is guarded against enemies, both foreign and domestic, by ever-vigilant men and women who have sworn to protect their beloved country at home and abroad.

They do not however, do it alone.

Among America's sons and daughters, one can find a few Soldiers, Airmen, Seamen and Marines that swear allegiance to an entirely different nation.

Like Sqn. Ldr. Siôn Hughes, a test pilot for the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, who is currently a student at the 47th Fighter Squadron on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., servicemembers from different allied nations throughout the world enter an exchange program into the United States to work alongside American Forces.

Sqn. Ldr. Hughes, who is a Major equivalent and flew a SEPCAT Jaguar for the U.K.'s Royal Air Force, is working out of the 40th Flight Test Squadron on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where he is an assistant duty officer.

The exchange program, which consists of a three-year tour of duty in the U.S. for Hughes, allows him to test jets like the A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon for the Air Force.

During his training at Barksdale, he learns to successfully fly and operate these aircraft. He can then take his experience and the experiences of the pilots he works with, and analyze newly-developed hardware and software for them.

Working with the 47th FS allows him to learn all he can about combat-coded pilots and their issues and tactics in the A-10 Thunderbolt II. With this valuable information he is able to be a voice for pilots and put their opinions and concerns out about the developments and changes on their aircraft.

"As a test pilot, this assignment is an opportunity for me to learn; to see the operational side of these aircraft," said Sqn. Ldr. Hughes.

He is currently enrolled in the Senior Officers Course in the 47th FS. The length of his training, unlike the full course, is half the time and teaches him about the basic mechanics and operational issues of the A-10.

"It's been a great experience," said the student. "The American pilots here are a great group of guys who have really looked after me since I've been here."

This tour is the third in the U.S. for this British pilot throughout his 17 years in the Royal Air Force.

During his time in the service, Sqn. Ldr. Hughes has learned the invaluable importance of military programs such as this one.

"On a grand scale, there are many more benefits to this program," said the British Aviator. "We as allies are able to learn how each other operate. We are able to build international and long-lasting relationships and friendships."

"People ask me if there is a point to flying and learning about these planes," said Sqn. Ldr. Hughes. "I am able to learn so much and help both nations while I do it. There is definitely a point. When someone sees a U.S. servicemember in an overseas operation, the United Kingdom is usually right there with them. We work together on a great deal of operations."

"When running joint operations, these relationships and friendships are very important, both tactically and strategically" said the test pilot when speaking of the advantages of being familiar with an ally's operations and habits.

"I have been able to see how the U.S. Air Force operates," said Sqn. Ldr. Hughes. "And we are able to share ideas and past experiences in order to help each other tactically. It makes it easier to work in a joint operation when it's possible to predict the actions and reactions of the pilots around you."

That ability is an advantage to accomplishing the mission, said Sqn. Ldr. Hughes. There are also many allied countries who take part in this program.

The exchange program is a two-way street. There are currently American forces on assignment working side by side with allied troops to accomplish missions all across the globe.

Like Sqn. Ldr. Hughes, they are working towards one common goal. They work tirelessly to establish, defend and maintain freedom throughout the world.

We are one team, across nations, with one common goal.

One team. One fight. Our victory.