‘Other commitments’ stop Red Flag exercises

Wednesday, March 12, 2003 | 9:33 a.m.

Air Combat Command has canceled the Red Flag exercise scheduled for Nellis Air Force Base from March 17 to April 11. It was the second time this year that the aerial combat training has been canceled.

Capt. Kelly Cahalan, a Nellis spokeswoman, said the spring 2003 Red Flag was canceled because of "other commitments around the world."

In the past Red Flag has been canceled for operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and actions in Kosovo, said Lt. Col. Kris Bucklew, the deputy chief of exercises and joint operations for Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Red Flag involves simulated combat. About 3,300 members of the air forces of the United States and other countries were to participate in the exercise on the Nevada Test and Training Range. Red Flag is run by the 414th Combat Training Squadron.

Red Flag lasts from two to six weeks depending on its purpose. The exercises are scheduled up to four times a year. The next exercise is still scheduled for Aug. 5 at Nellis, Cahalan said.

January's Red Flag exercise was canceled when the 68th Bomber Wing, a group stationed in North Carolina, was deployed.