PRESS RELEASE -- Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Public Affairs

Release No. 030106
January 5,2006

AGGRESSOR SQUADRON STANDS UP AT NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE


NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE - The United States Air Force will reactivate the historic 65th Aggressor Squadron Jan. 12 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

In a letter sent out to Airmen, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff, cited the history of the unit as “legendary” and said the aggressors will “directly contribute to the combat capability of our Airmen.”

“The 65th and other Aggressor units will provide realistic adversary training in air, space and information operations that make us even better,” said Gen. Moseley. “Their training will keep us innovative as we fight this Global War on Terror and defend this great Nation in the face of modern threats and tactics that continue to proliferate.”

The squadron was last active in 1989 when it operated F-5E Tiger II aircraft. The unit will stand up with nine F-15C Eagles, which will be expanded to include a total of 24 fighters.

Once active, the the 65th Aggressor Squadron will fly alongside the F-16s of the 64th Aggressor Squadron as part of our Air Force’s advanced composite force training team.

In the letter, the general also said advanced adversarial training will better prepare Airmen for the fight ahead. He urged people to “use these opportunities to continually innovate and improve our tactics, technologies and training.”

“If we do that,” General Moseley said, “then we will continue to dominate air, space and cyberspace for the Joint Team.”