Red Flag ‘77 - 03

As this deployment was planned to be a one-off, the allowances were virtually non-existent, but the crews soon discovered where to enjoy the best deals in town and how to spend an evening taking in the extraordinary sights of Vegas whilst keeping body and soul in reasonable shape. Careful operations on the gaming tables not only gave access to complimentary drinks but, if they were lucky, also furnished a small supplementary income to bring home all the latest Fisher Price toys that could be carried for young families (now still used by grandchildren some thirty-five years later).

However, notwithstanding the ambience of Vegas and Nellis, everyone looked forward to the opportunity to train in such a comprehensive operational arena with doughty comrades. The base was huge by any standard and just brimming with modern aircraft and the latest technology; before the Americans met them in the air, the 208 Squadron detachment was without doubt seen and humoured as the country bumpkins over from the UK.

After a few days acclimatisation to both the heat and the complexities of this very large military installation, the 208 crews started to earn their stripes. With a flying programme constructed using the Goose Bay training as a template, each formation was planned for eight sorties during the exercise, all by day and with plenty of time for preparation and de-brief, With the participants’ ‘in-Brief’ completed and the Squadron’s  workplace and planning area established, and having individually found time to read, digest and sign the incredibly long but essential Red Flag SPINS (special instructions), the crews were fully indoctrinated into Red Flag and its ethos and were ready to participate.

After a familiarisation sortie at 100 feet over the Nellis and Tonopah Ranges, the Squadron felt ready to mix it with the aggressors and the rest of Red Air. And so, with the Red Flag operations building boasting an entrance somewhat humbly inscribed: ‘Through This Portal Pass the World’s Best Fighter Pilots’, 208 was ready to prove that so did ‘The World’s Best Bomber Crews’, and they were there not only to prove it, but also to win against the foe.

Initial sorties were flown equipped with practice bombs in order to test and ensure that safe separation distances and time splits over the target were achievable in the sparse terrain where navigation was done by flying from massive ridge line to massive ridge line that grew out of the desert floor.

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