THROUGH THE LENS: Exercise Red Flag 25-2

Photos by Steven Valinski

April 12, 2025

Nellis AFB, Nev. – Exercise Red Flag 25-2, held at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada from March 10 to March 21, 2025, was a large-scale aerial combat training event focused on enhancing multinational combat readiness. Approximately 1,500 personnel from 15 units participated, including forces from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, United Arab Emirates Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force, and Turkish Air Force. Conducted over the Nevada Test and Training Range, the exercise simulated realistic, high-intensity combat scenarios to improve interoperability and tactical skills among joint and coalition forces.

Participants engaged in complex missions involving air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, facing advanced simulated threats in a contested environment with limited resources and degraded communications. Aircraft such as the B-52 Stratofortress, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet and EA-18 Growler were featured, with units like the 23rd Bomb Squadron from Minot Air Force Base and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 from Miramar playing key roles. The exercise emphasized collaboration, allowing aircrews, maintenance teams, and support personnel to refine their ability to operate as a cohesive force. Red Flag 25-2 provided critical experience, particularly for newer aircrews, fostering readiness for potential real-world conflicts through lessons learned in a safe, controlled setting.

Here’s a look “THROUGH THE LENS” at exercise Red Flag 25-2:

Steven Valinski

Owner-Chief Publisher at Aviation Photography Digest

Steven is from Long Island, New York and now resides in sunny Mesa, Arizona. Steven’s love for aviation began when he was a child with a fascination for WWII aircraft. This love of aviation was further fostered by his uncle, a long-time Trans World Airlines (TWA) employee who had a passion for all forms of aviation.

Steven’s interest in photography began when he was 16 years old when he received his first SLR camera, a Minolta XGA. It makes sense that eventually his passion for aviation and photography would merge into a love for aviation photography.

In addition to being the web designer, webmaster and chief editor of Aviation Photography Digest, Steven has been published in numerous magazines worldwide.

Steven has an M.S. from Boston University and uses Nikon photographic equipment.

Steven is a Nikon NPS member.

Steven can be reached at: [email protected]