Estonian JTACs take lead in historic training

by Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

11/15/2014 - AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia -- With grey clouds flooding the skies overhead and poor visibility, Estonian air force joint tactical air controllers, or JTACs, communicated coordinates for airstrikes to U.S. pilots during the first-ever Estonian-led close air support exercise, Nov. 13-14, here.

This latest round of interoperability training under the umbrella of Operation Atlantic Resolve enabled two 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots to execute air-to-ground training with Estonian JTACs. While the JTACs honed their proficiency at calling in simulated precision airstrikes, the pilots leveraged this new milestone in interoperability training to enhance the readiness of NATO combat air forces.

"The U.S. is committed to international security and through this bilateral training with our NATO partners, we are able to counter a range of regional and global threats," said Maj. Benjamin Couchman, 555th FS pilot and exercise mission commander. "We will continue participating in these joint readiness training events that build partnership capacity and at the same time ensure the security of our allies and partners."

Although cloud cover restricted visibility between ground and air, according to the Estonian JTACs, the training was highly successful.

"We are training daily to stay proficient with Estonian aircraft, but the capabilities of a U.S. F-16 bring a whole new dimension to our efforts to train like we fight," said an Estonian air force JTAC. "It's so important for us to be able to work with U.S. forces and we look forward to additional opportunities in the future."

As was the case during recent exercises Platinum Eagle and Ample Strike, this deployment of Aviano's F-16s to Estonia was in keeping with America's commitment to ensuring the security of U.S. and NATO allies. While transiting to Estonia, the pilots were also able to train with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England.

"All of the training we were able to accomplish in these two days strengthened our relationships within NATO, enhanced our interoperability and reassured our European allies of our commitment to peace and stability in the region," Couchman said. "Because we are 'forward, ready, now,' we can support our allies and quickly respond to emerging threats."