Reserve Raptor fighter pilots discuss Northern Edge 2009

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – Reserve F-22A Raptor pilots Lt. Col. John Hillyer and Maj. Kevin Sutterfield gave live on-air radio interviews to disc jockeys at local Anchorage radio stations June 11. The two pilots from Air Force Reserve Command’s 477th Fighter Group discussed the upcoming joint training exercise Northern Edge 2009. U.S. military units stationed in the Continental United States and the Pacific Theater will participate in the joint training exercise June 15-26 on and above central Alaska ranges and the Gulf of Alaska. Northern Edge is one in a series of U.S. Pacific Command exercise in 2009 that prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the Asian Pacific Region. The exercise is designed to sharpen their skills, to practice operations, techniques, and procedures, to improve command, control and communication relationships, and to develop interoperable plans and programs. Approximately 9,000 U.S. Active Duty and Reserve component Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and marines will participate with more than 200 aircraft from all the services. Northern Edge is the largest military training exercise scheduled in Alaska this year with virtual and constructive participants covering nine time zones exercising alongside live players. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Andrea Knudson)