First Air National Guard theater security package deploys to Europe

USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

3/27/2015 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The U.S. Air Force deployed 12 F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft and approximately 200 Airmen as the first Air National Guard theater security package in Europe to support Operation Atlantic Resolve this week.

The aircraft and Airmen, from the 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard, Jacksonville, Fla., are set to be in place and fulfilling the TSP mission by mid-April.

The TSPs will augment U.S. Air Forces in Europe's existing efforts as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve by conducting flying training deployments and off-station training with NATO allies to further enhance interoperability.

Operation Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of U.S. European Command and United States Air Forces in Europe's continued commitment to the collective security of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and dedication to the enduring peace and stability in the region.

"The TSP is a strategic capability that allows the Air Force greater flexibility against evolving threats," said Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander.  "The TSP is another way the Air Force presents forces at the right time to the right combatant commander. It  reassures our allies and partner nations that our commitment to European security is a priority."

While in Europe, the unit will conduct training alongside NATO allies with the goal of strengthening interoperability and enhancing regional security. The unit will later forward deploy to locations in Eastern European NATO nations including Leeuwarden, Netherlands, and Graf Ignatievo, Bulgaria.

"We are able to maintain a global presence thanks to the efforts of our active duty, Reserve and National Guard partners," said Roberson. "This is a team effort and the addition of a National Guard unit demonstrates the total force integration of our Air Force around the world."

The F-15s are the first ANG unit to support TSP in Europe, and the second of several TSP deployments to the continent. Rotations will generally last six months, depending on mission and U.S. European Command requirements. The Air Force has been conducting similar TSP rotations in the Pacific region since 2004.