Flight Cadets of Regular Career Course 63 (RCC 63) of the Ghana Military Academy (GMA) have undergone a 5-day traing exercise dubbed EX THUNDERBOLT, to develop Cadets’ overall understanding of Air Force Base operations, and their ability to intergrate relevant air operations into friendly land and maritime operations, with particular emphasis on how an air base functions.
The exercise, held at the Air Force Base (AFB), Accra, commenced from Tuesday 24 to Friday 27 September 2024, with an insightful and educational first day for the Flight Cadets at the AFB, as the day’s activities were structured to give the Cadets a comprehensive introduction to the Base, its operations and historical significance.

The opening ceremony, at which Cadets were briefed on the objectives of the exercise, and how it aligns with their overall training, was presided over by some Senior Officers of the Ghana Air Force (GHF), with the Officer-in-Charge emphasizing the importance of discipline, leadership, and collaboration, laying the foundation for the rest of the training program.
The Cadets then were led on a tour of the AFB, Accra, affording them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with operational facilities, and to understand the Base’s strategic importance in the defence of Ghana’s national airspace.

The Senior Officers took turns to provide detailed narratives of the various sections of the base, highlighting its organizational structure, and the pivotal role it plays in Ghana’s air defence network.
Another significant component of the day was a lecture on the history of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), where Cadets were enlightened on the role of the Ghana Air Force (GHF) in UNOCI operations, the challenges faced during the peacekeeping missions, and the invaluable experience gained by Ghanaian forces in international peacekeeping.

This session provided the Cadets with a broader perspective on how their training fits into global security efforts, and as EX THUNDERBOLT progressed, GMA’s RCC Intake 63 would build on these lessons, using the knowledge gained to enhance their leadership and operational skills.
Credit: HQ AFB, ACCRA