UK officer joins Predator squadron through exchange programme

The first remotely piloted aircraft exchange officer stationed at the 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada is not bothered by the 5,000 miles between the state of Nevada and her native England.

"It has been an opportunity that money can't buy," said Royal Air Force Sqn Ldr Adele Stratton. "This post is the only exchange job within the rapidly evolving RPA community, and as the first incumbent, I have found it to be an interesting couple of years."

As the first exchange officer at the RPA operational test and evaluation squadron, Major Stratton serves as the squadron's assistant director of operations, a test director and unit project officer. She began her assignment with the squadron in June 2007 and it will wrap up in the next few months.

Squadron members execute MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system tests and evaluations for the Aerospace Command and Control Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center and tactics development for Air Combat Command. The Airmen in the 556th TES provide operational expertise to developmental test and evaluation for new sensors, hardware, weapons and software upgrades. The 556th TES is part of the 53rd Wing headquartered at Eglin AFB.

"Integrating our closest allies with our daily operations ensures that when a crisis arises, we will have built a strong and continuing relationship that will pay significant dividends for both countries," said Col. Michael Gantt, 53rd Wg commander. "We are excited to have all of our exchange officers partake in 53rd Wg operations, pulling talent together from partner nations and sharing ideas that allow for the development of tactics, techniques and procedures for our warfighters."

Sqn Ldr Stratton said she would take lessons learned back the United Kingdom and her experience brought several firsts for her and the Air Force.

"This was a very rewarding experience and I appreciate the faith the U.S. Air Force put in me to accomplish the job," she said.

Major Stratton said she had an easy time adjusting to life in the U.S. with the help of squadron and computer communications specialists to keep up with her family on the other side of the globe.

"It has been easier than I thought," the 16-year RAF veteran said. "I was surprised how quickly I settled in. It is all down to the people you work with. The thing I miss most about the UK is my mum, dad and brother. The thing I love most about America is the people. I have been made very welcome here and have made some very good friends."

Settling into her job in the squadron meant managing one or two tests at a time, Major Stratton said. The tests ranged from basic software upgrades to the mission system to testing new weapons for combat viability. The information gathered effect both the U.S. and British warfighting forces around the globe.

"The Air Force and the RAF work closely together when it comes to RPA operations, and the ability to combine operational testing to reduce pressure on assets in theatre is something I would like to see in the future," the major said.

The benefits of a coalition prospective are already visible. In addition to her stint as an exchange offer, she works with an Air Force officer stationed in the UK UAS test squadron to try to provide mutually beneficial information.

"The ability to get a UK point of view during an U.S. Air Force test has proved valuable in the past as we all bring different skills to the table," Major Stratton said. "Although we think we are the same, you have to experience life in a different environment to appreciate it."

by Ashley M. Wright - 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs