Story perspectives

U.S. Air Force's Realistic Survival Exercise Engages Coast Guard

1/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Air Force conducted Exercise Sourdough January 8–11, 2026, in San Francisco with 150+ personnel.
The operation spanned 49 square miles and involved the Coast Guard and local law enforcement.
Lt. Col. Mary Lea Bordelon, U.S. Air Force, emphasized the realism of evasion and survival.
Five of eleven teams were caught, yielding insights for airmen and the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office.

History

Historical Context

The establishment of the U.S. Air Force in 1947 marked a pivotal shift in military strategy, emphasizing air power in defense operations. Collaborating with agencies like the Coast Guard, the Air Force conducts exercises such as Exercise Sourdough, which involved over 150 personnel. These efforts enhance military readiness and improve coordination between military and civilian agencies during crises, reflecting ongoing adaptations in national defense strategies.

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Story summary

The U.S. Air Force conducted Exercise Sourdough January 8–11, 2026, in San Francisco with 150+ personnel.
The operation spanned 49 square miles and involved the Coast Guard and local law enforcement.
Lt. Col. Mary Lea Bordelon, U.S. Air Force, emphasized the realism of evasion and survival.
Five of eleven teams were caught, yielding insights for airmen and the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office.

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