Gray Flag 2024 Unites Forces with Allied Partner Testing Integration

This year, over 3,000 personnel units from the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force gathered to participate in the expansive Gray Flag event. A colossal undertaking, it incorporated more than 60 test initiatives featuring approximately 600 aircraft sorties and tested over 26 unique systems on the ground.

Hosted at the Point Mugu Sea Range, a vast 36,000 square mile area of instrumented sea and airspace, Gray Flag capitalized on the diverse capabilities of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. This venue provided the essential environment for meeting the complex, multi-domain joint test requirements. By integrating Live, Virtual, and Constructive testing elements, Gray Flag addressed some of the most sophisticated modern warfighting challenges.

“Gray Flag 2024 brought together various participants from different military branches, academic institutions, and allied partners,” stated Capt. David Halpern, commodore of the Naval Test Wing Pacific. He emphasized the importance of the event’s broad scope, which allowed for comprehensive testing and evaluation of systems and their interoperability in realistic conditions. The data collected aimed to inform future strategies and procedures.

Including allied partners was key to reflecting realistic operational scenarios. Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander of NAWCWD and Chief of Test for Naval Air Systems Command, underscored the significance of joint operations with allies. “Our ability to integrate with our partners is fundamental to our success,” he said, echoing the U.S. Navy’s approach as outlined in NAVPLAN 2024. Testing collaboratively helps reinforce deterrence and ensures freedom across the seas.