Turbo Weasel sharpens warfighting readiness through realistic joint training Published April 18, 2025 By Senior Airman Demi M. Ebert 52nd Fighter Wing SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron participated in Turbo Weasel at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 18-26 and April 8–17, 2025. Turbo Weasel is a dynamic air exercise designed to support the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission, simulating realistic, high-intensity conditions. The primary goal is to replicate an intricate, real-world battlespace. “There’s no substitute for the kind of dynamic environment we create during Turbo Weasel,” said Capt. Nick Mondragon, 480th FS F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot. “The sheer number of moving parts and aircraft in the air simultaneously makes it an invaluable training opportunity, one that simply can’t be replicated in a simulator.” Turbo Weasel sharpens warfighting readiness through realistic joint training A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron, flies over the flightline during exercise Turbo Weasel at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 14, 2025. Turbo Weasel is a dynamic air training exercise focused on Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses and operational readiness in high-intensity, contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Demi M. Ebert) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Turbo Weasel sharpens warfighting readiness through realistic joint training A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron, takes off for a sortie during exercise Turbo Weasel at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 14, 2025. The exercise enhances force generation and deployment readiness by testing pilot proficiency, maintenance responsiveness and allied integration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Demi M. Ebert) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Turbo Weasel empowered the 480th FS to certify several fighter pilots as SEAD wingmen, flight leads and instructor pilots, with complex challenges allowing the aviators to hone their skill-sets. “Being exposed to a large number of aircraft in a shared airspace, while executing a complex mission, pushes our skills to the limit,” Mondragon said. “That kind of experience is essential for combat readiness.” Turbo Weasel sharpens warfighting readiness through realistic joint training A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron, sits inside a hardened aircraft shelter during exercise Turbo Weasel at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 14, 2025. Turbo Weasel tests the full spectrum of squadron readiness, from sortie generation and maintenance turnaround to multi-aircraft mission execution. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Demi M. Ebert) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Turbo Weasel sharpens warfighting readiness through realistic joint training U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Brummer, 480th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, prepares for takeoff during exercise Turbo Weasel at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 14, 2025. The exercise sharpens warfighting capabilities through simulated high-density air combat, enabling aircrew to operate effectively in complex operational environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Demi M. Ebert) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The 480th FS teamed up with the 555th Fighter Squadron known as the “Triple Nickel” stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Additionally, U.S. units from various global locations provided tanker support to facilitate long-range sorties. “Working with pilots who specialize in different mission sets challenges us to adapt our tactics in real time,” said Mondragon. “It helps us become more flexible and responsive in joint operations.” Maintenance crews quickly inspected, repaired and turned jets around to meet tight sortie timelines. This opportunity provided valuable training for the entire airfield support structure and reinforced the importance of seamless teamwork between operations and maintenance. “With longer, more demanding sorties, the aircraft return with maintenance needs we don’t typically see during routine training flights,” said Mondragon. “It gives our maintenance teams an opportunity to troubleshoot and sustain jets under more realistic operational conditions.” Turbo Weasel sharpens warfighting readiness through realistic joint training U.S. Air Force Capt. Kyle Oldenburg, 480th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, left, speaks to Lt. Col. Tyler Brummer, right, 480th FS F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, prior to flight during exercise Turbo Weasel at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 14, 2025. The exercise simulates a contested battlespace requiring real-time communication and situational awareness across multiple aircraft and units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Demi M. Ebert) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Turbo Weasel sharpens warfighting readiness through realistic joint training A helmet and oxygen mask rest inside a pilot’s locker at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 14, 2025. Pilots from the 480th Fighter Squadron participated in exercise Turbo Weasel, which emphasized integrated combat employment and interoperability with partner units such as the 555th Fighter Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Demi M. Ebert) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Turbo Weasel advances force readiness and warfighting capabilities through realistic training and integrated operations. It ensures the Air Force remains agile, lethal and ready to meet the demands of tomorrow’s fight. “Exercises like this don’t just build pilot proficiency, they prepare our entire unit to deploy and execute under pressure,” said Mondragon. “It directly supports the mission of the 480th FS and the broader objectives of the Air Force.”