Checkered Flag, one of the largest air-to-air exercises in the Department of Defense, kicked off May 10 at Tyndall Air Force Base and wrapped up May 21. This large-scale aerial exercise is designed to integrate fourth and fifth-generation aircraft to enhance mobility, deployment, and employment capabilities of aviators and maintainers. The two-week long exercise focuses on the integration of the F-22 and F-35A with fourth generation aircraft (including the F-15, Navy Super Hornet, and others) in a large-force exercise. Checkered Flag helps the F-35 maintain readiness by allowing the warfighter to engage in DCA, or Defensive Counter Air. Integrating with other platforms from the Air Force and Navy allows better opportunity to "fend off the hoards." (Watch the video)