Friday, April 17, 2015

TSP continues to strengthen international relations

by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs


4/14/2015 - NAMEST AIR BASE, Czech Republic -- Four U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft forward deployed to Namest Air Base, Czech Republic, April 8, 2015, as part of a 90-day theater security package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

"The TSP is another way the Air Force is increasing rotational presence in Europe to reassure our allies and partner nations that our commitment to European security is a priority," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tom Jones, USAFE-AFAFRICA vice commander.

The U.S. Air Force 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's A-10s and the Czech Republic air force's joint terminal attack controllers will conduct training to increase relations and interoperability while building joint capabilities and ensuring a stronger partnership.

More than 50 Airmen and support equipment from the 355th Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, deployed as a combat capable force able to respond to a wide variety of operations.

"Our base has the capability to host NATO aircraft and troops here, and to operate and train from this air base," said Czech Republic Col. Miroslav Svoboda, Namest Air Base commander. "What we are conducting her at the moment is interoperability training with our joint terminal attack controllers. But it's not only for them, it's for everyone involved."

The U.S. Air Force routinely schedules and deploys force packages of fighters and tankers throughout the Asia-Pacific Region as part of U.S. Pacific Command's TSP. This deployment in Europe is similar to those in the Pacific and demonstrates the ability to deploy a fighter aircraft presence to support U.S. partners and allies around the world.

"It's critically vital for us to keep an event such as this at our base to keep our people trained in host nation procedures," Svoboda said. "We are looking forward to future cooperation training with the U.S. military."

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