Falcon Air Meet 2011

Turkish air force maintainers participate in the scramble competition in support of the Falcon Air Meet 2011, Oct. 19, 2011. FAM is a multi-national exercise and operational activity in Jordan to enhance regional partnerships and interoperability as well as demonstrate U.S. commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Asha Kin)

Falcon Air Meet 2011

Air Force maintainers from Jordan and the U.S. greet prior to the start of a loading competition in support of Falcon Air Meet, Oct. 18, 2011. FAM is a multi-national exercise and operational activity in Jordan that enhances regional partnerships and interoperability as well as demonstrates U.S. commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Asha Kin)

Falcon Air Meet 2011

A U.S. Air Force weapons load team from the 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, UT, participates in a loading competition in support of Falcon Air Meet, Oct. 18, 2011. FAM is a multi-national exercise and operational activity in Jordan that enhances regional partnerships and interoperability as well as demonstrates U.S. commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Asha Kin)

Falcon Air Meet 2011

Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16s Fighting Falcon from Squadron One at Shaheed Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan, flies over Jordan during an air refueling mission in support of Falcon Air Meet, Oct. 17, 2011. FAM is a multinational exercise and operational activity in Jordan that enhances regional partnerships and interoperability as well as demonstrates U.S. commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Asha Kin)

Seventh Annual Falcon Air Meet finishes in Jordan

Published Nov. 4, 2011
By Capt. Daniel Einert
3rd Combat Camera Squadron

AZRAQ AB (RJAF), Jordan -- Falcon Air Meet kicked off Oct. 18th after introductory comments by the commander of Jordan's royal air force, Maj. Gen. Malek Habashneh at Azraq Air Base, Jordan.
The air meet is a two-week exercise hosted by the Royal Jordanian Air Force designed to strengthen international relationships by bringing multi-national forces together.

"Falcon Air Meet will continue the close air support theme due to its relevance to our collective present day operations. We greatly appreciate your commitment to Falcon Air Meet 2011," Habashneh said.

Jordanian Prince Feisal Bin Al Hussein initially conceived Falcon Air meet in 2006 to cultivate a strong relationship with regional partners and the U.S. American involvement in Falcon Air Meet 2011 is demonstrates U.S. commitment to cooperative defense exercises that support regional security and stability.

Both flying and maintenance support operations are critical to the success of FAM. The meet comprises flying operations, special operations demonstrations and various graded competitions to showcase each nation's capabilities in an atmosphere of friendly camaraderie. The exercise was attended this year by F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons from Turkey, Jordan and the United States, as well as F-18 Super Hornets from the U.S. Navy. U.S. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and Jordanian Special Forces participate by calling in airstrikes on pre-determined training targets.

Scored competitions include an aircraft scramble, air-to-air combat sorties, weapons loading, and conclude with a bombing competition. "White Force" judges then score competitors in these timed events and post marks based on technical accuracy and adherence to safety procedures.

Since its inception, FAM has hosted a customary "international night" to invite all exercise participants to share in local Jordanian food and dance.

"For me, international night is the highlight of FAM. This is my second year here, it is phenomenal to see how everyone comes together as one during these festivities," Col. Robert Bolton, commander of Air Force Forces, said.

"This opportunity allows air forces of different nations to share tactics and techniques, but more importantly, attaches actual faces and names which will last a lifetime," Bolton said.

On Nov. 1, all scored event winners were announced during the closing ceremony and awards presentation.