A-10s forward deploy to Papa Air Base, Hungary

by Capt. Lauren Ott
USAFE

12/7/2015 - USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs -- A-10C Thunderbolt IIs from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, arrived at Papa Air Base, Hungary Dec. 2, where they will remain for the next two weeks to conduct training alongside the Hungarian Air Force.

The Airmen and A-10s of the 74th EFS are part of a Theater Security Package micro-deployment from Amari Air Base, Estonia, that is conducting training and exercises with NATO allies and regional partners throughout Europe.

The A-10s are currently conducting Air-to-Ground training and will also have an opportunity to participate in exercise Wise Foresight 15, which is a joint, bi-lateral exercise aimed at increasing readiness and enhancing interoperability between the U.S. and Hungarian Air Forces.

Training and exercising in Hungary "allows us to maintain a forward presence in Europe conducting flying training with our Hungarian counterparts while enhancing our ability to work together," said Maj. Gen. Vollmecke, Air National Guard Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe, Air Forces Africa.

This current micro-deployment to Hungary is a "testament that a strong relationship exists between the United States and Hungary," the general said.

To include this most recent stop in Hungary, the A-10s are visiting seven different nations and have exercised with a total of 12 nations since arriving in Europe as part of TSP, said Lt. Col. Bryan France, 74th EFS commander.  "A lot of that has happened because our coalition partners have been excited to receive us and have us operate out of their airfields."

During his visit, Vollmecke announced that the next round of TSP will be F-15C Eagles from the 144 Fighter Wing, Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, and the104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts.

The F-15Cs will continue the TSP mission for the A-10s that have been traveling through Europe, conducting training and exercises with NATO allies and regional partners, as part of TSP since Sept. 2015.