Effective 21 April 2003, the vUSAF is pleased toannounce the further expansion of our organizationwith the opening of the 57th Wing, Nellis AFB Nevada.Nellis AFB has long been a cornerstone in the graduatelevel training of Air Force Pilots, including one ofthe largest aerial warfare exercises "Red Flag"occurring in its ranges 3 times a year.The 57th wing (57WG) is responible for all flyingoperations at Nellis, and it's flight line often lookslike an Air Expeditionary Force with A-10s, F-16s,F-15s, HC-130s, HH-60s, and RQ-1A's on the flightline. Under this wing the 66th Aerial Rescue Squadron(66RQS), 11th Reconnaissance Squadron (11RS), and414th Training Squadron (414TS).The 66RQS will provide CSAR (Combat Search andRescue), and Range Safety/SAR operations at Nellis andabroad. This squadron uses the HC-130 and HH-60platforms.The 11RS will provide real time reconnaissance,sureveillance, and signal intelligence to commandersusing the RQ-1A predator (UAV). This is the first unitcomprised solely of UAV vehicles in the IAMPSO.The 414TS provides agressor forces for operationalexercises throughout the Nellis ranges, and concurrentunits hosted at Nellis.The 57WG will be commanded by Colonel Kevin Schultz,vUSAF. Colonel Schultz has previous command experiencewith the US Army Virtual, operational experience inthe Virtual US Coast Guard, and real world experiencehaving been stationed at Nellis AFB.With the opening of Nellis, the vUSAF also opens thefollowing organziations/ commands hosted by nellis:vUSAF Weapons School- teaches graduate-level courses,which provide the virtual world's most advancedtraining in weapons and tactics employment to officersof the combat air forces of the IAMPSO. Courseselection is limited and competitive, applications maybe forwarded by chain of command to Cheif of StaffUSAF for consideration. Available to IAMPSO affiliatesonly.vUSAF Aerial Demonstration Team - "Thunderbirds" "Virtual America's Ambassadors in Blue" - This team ofelite pilots perform in the F16 aircraft at fly-insand air shows worldwide on the VATSIM network.Scheduling of this team may be made through the 57WGcommander.vUSAF Air Warfare Center (AWFC) - manages advancedpilot training and integrates many of the Air Force'stest and evaluation requirements. Available to vUSAFpilots only.Questions regarding this press release or this unitmay contact [email protected]

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