Checkered Flag 26-2 wraps up, strengthening high-end readiness and joint interoperability

Checkered Flag 26-2 wrapped up May 14 at Tyndall, capping a large-scale air-to-air training event that paired high-end integration with live-fire weapons testing over the Gulf of Mexico.

Hosted by the 325th Fighter Wing and run alongside the 53rd Wing’s Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP East), the exercise brought together frontline fighters and key enablers to stress-test tactics, data-sharing and munitions employment. WSEP East, conducted by the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group at Tyndall, formally assesses combat units’ live-fire performance—giving aircrews the uncommon chance to fire missiles at maneuvering targets while maintainers hone procedures with live ordnance.

By combining the large-force scenarios of Checkered Flag with WSEP’s evaluations, planners designed missions that pressed both air-to-air and air-to-ground skill sets in the same battlespace. “The Gulf Range Complex provides an invaluable platform to project combat airpower,” said Maj. Tyler Davidson, 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron F-22 program manager. “It’s one of the only places that we can truly go out and exercise full live weapons mission profiles, actually employ these weapons at the edges of the envelope against live flying drones and be able to get real-time data.”

Fifth-generation F-35A Lightning IIs and F-22 Raptors trained alongside fourth-generation platforms, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. Critical support aircraft, such as the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, provided command-and-control and refueling capabilities to keep complex missions running at tempo. “The E-2D Hawkeye provides command and control — our primary role is to paint the combat zone picture,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Sydney Rodriguez, an Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW 113) avionics electrician technician. “We detect targets long before the fighter jets do. We identify the threats first and relay that tactical picture, ensuring the fighters successfully engage their required targets.”

Participation drew joint forces and continued to attract units that fund their own involvement to gain access to the exercise’s advanced ranges and integration opportunities. Organizers describe the event as a premier venue for building interoperability across services and with partners, sharpening the collective ability to respond quickly to emerging threats.

Officials at Tyndall said the exercise is evolving to stay ahead of adversaries. The base is upgrading facilities to handle higher classification levels and weaving lessons from operational testing into future scenarios, aiming to better mirror the pace and complexity of modern conflict.

Leaders also emphasized the direct link between the training and combat credibility. The combination of rigorous live-fire events, seamless integration across aircraft types and the pressure of realistic mission sets is designed to ensure aviators and maintainers can deliver combat airpower on demand, from deterrence operations to high-end fights.