3rd AF Commander visits Airmen in Bulgaria

by Senior Airman Hailey Haux

USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

8/21/2014 - PLOVDIV, Bulgaria -- Airmen from the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, received a visit from the 3rd Air Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, while on temporary duty at Graf Ignatievo Air Base near Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Aug. 20.

As part of the visit, Roberson received briefings from the Bulgarian Brig. Gen. Ivan Lalov, Graf Ignatievo Air Base commander, and both U.S. and Bulgarian mission commanders explaining some of the difficulties they have faced and how they have been overcome in order to conduct successful training.

"We are increasing the capabilities of our nation's Air Force with the Bulgarian's Air Force," said Maj. Barak Amundson, 493rd Fighter Squadron pilot and Thracian Eagle 2014 mission coordinator. "We are doing so by working together in the air and on the ground."

The 3rd Air Force commander was able to get up close and personal with Bulgarian aircraft, hopping in the cockpits of three different aircraft before taking the time to give some encouraging words to 48th Fighter Wing Airmen.

"What you are doing here is really important," said Roberson. "It's important on many levels. I appreciate what you're doing and being ambassadors for America."

Roberson got the chance to meet a few Airmen who have gone above and beyond during this bilateral training event.

"It was an honor to be coined by the 3rd Air Force commander," said Senior Airman Najee Jarrett, 493rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief. "This whole experience is something that I am going to take with me for the rest of my life."