by Captain Korey Fratini
23d Wing Public Affairs
9/18/2015 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Team
Moody announced today, 12 A-10C Thunderbolt IIs are scheduled to deploy
as part of a Theater Security Package in support of Operation Atlantic
Resolve.
Approximately 300 Airmen and support equipment will deploy to bases across Europe with the A-10s from the 23rd Wing.
U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Barrera, 23d WG vice commander, acknowledged
the importance of the deployment for Moody Air Force Base and the Air
Force.
"We are very excited that Airmen from Team Moody have been selected to
deploy as part of a Theater Security Package in support of Operation
Atlantic Resolve," said Barrera. "Once again the Air Force has called
upon the Airmen of Moody to support an extremely important mission in
Europe."
As the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, these A-10s will augment
U.S. Air Forces in Europe's existing efforts as part of Operation
Atlantic Resolve. While in Europe, Airmen will conduct 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 U.S. Air Forces in Europe's continued commitment to the collective
security of the NATO and dedication to the enduring peace and stability
in the region.
TSPs involve the deployment of rotational forces that are at the
cornerstone for increasing military capabilities. They also represent
the U.S. Air Force's ability to rapidly deploy forces around the world
at any given time.
The 74th EFS will be commanded by Lt. Col. Bryan France, who will have
the opportunity to lead this team of Moody Airmen on a deployment that
carries strategic importance to the U.S. Air Force.
"This deployment represents something greater than just Moody," said
France. "It is an opportunity for us to represent the United States and
our continued support of our NATO allies. It will also give us the
opportunity to train with and learn from other NATO partner nations."
The A-10s continue to be a part of ongoing TSP deployments to Europe.
Rotations will generally last six months, depending on mission and U.S.
European Command requirements.
by Staff Sgt. Chad Warren
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
9/17/2015 - KECSKEMET AIR BASE, Hungary -- Four
F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft and support personnel assigned to the 123rd
Expeditionary Fighter Squadron completed forward deployment to
Kecskemet, Hungary, from Campia Turzii, Romania, Sept. 15, 2015.
The 123rd EFS is part of the 142nd Fighter Wing located in Portland,
Oregon, and is deployed as part of the European theater security
package.
The four aircraft forward deployed in support of Operation Atlantic
Resolve in order to train and test their ability to operate out of
Kecskemet Air Base, strengthen interoperability and demonstrate U.S.
commitment to the security and stability of Europe.
"Overall, establishing the relationship with us being here and being
able to communicate with them and integrate our training together
solidifies our relationship with our NATO allies and makes it a lot
easier for us to do this in the future," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron
Lamont, 123rd EFS F-15 pilot, while discussing the importance of
gaining proficiency working with partner nation equipment and locations.
As part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, the U.S Air Force integrated with
host nation partners, a task that can be challenging but crucial to
working together effectively in potential future conflicts, said U.S.
Air Force Lt. Col. David Christensen, 123rd EFS director of operations.
"Improving interoperability between countries is always important,
especially if we have to work together in some kind of future conflict,"
Christensen said . "Everybody is more comfortable with who they are
working with and understands what's going on so we can better improve
our war-fighting."
Although the theater security package has brought U.S. aircraft to
several European countries, this is the first deployment to Hungary for
the mission and also the first Air National Guard TSP.
"It's important to show that we are out here and care about what's going
on in Eastern Europe," Christensen said. "It's the first TSP, and it's
also the first Guard TSP so it's important for the Guard to show that we
are helping to support the active duty and all the missions that are
out there."
Air National Guard or active duty, the TSP missions are about reassuring
NATO allies and increasing combined war-fighting abilities for the
future, a point that is not lost on 123rd EFS Airmen like Christensen.
"Being able to come out here and improve their operating and making it
so we are set up to be able to operate out of their facilities is a huge
advantage for the future," Christensen said.
by 1st Lt. Alexandra Trobe
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
8/7/2015 - LAJES FIELD, Azores, Portugal -- Twelve
A-10 Thunderbolt IIs transited Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, after
completing their theater security package mission in support of
Operation Atlantic Resolve August 1 though 3.
The jets flew in as part of a coronet, a term Lajes Field uses to
describe the movement of jets coming in, refueling and departing the
island.
The 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's 12 A-10's and approximately
300 Airmen conducted training alongside our NATO allies to strengthen
interoperability and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the security and
stability of Europe. The A-10s and Airmen are returning home to the
355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
"This is the first A-10 TSP we've conducted in Europe," said U.S. Air
Force Lt. Col. Ryan Hayde, 354th EFS commander. "This deployment gave us
the ability to train with NATO allies we otherwise would never have had
the opportunity to work with."
While deployed, the 354th EFS participated in 21 exercises, compiling
more than 1,500 sorties and nearly 2,700 flight hours while engaging
with 22 countries.
"The biggest thing about training with our NATO Allies is showing
interoperability," said Hayde. "NATO operates under its own close air
support standards, and as part of this training we were able to conduct
coordination with our allies. This ensures that if we ever have to
deploy with these NATO countries, we're all on the same page."
In their capstone event in Poland, the 354th EFS trained their entire
squadron on unimproved surface landings in conjunction with the 321st
Special Tactics Squadron, RAF Mildenhall and Polish Special Forces.
Combat controllers provide Federal Aviation Administration air traffic
control and communications in covert or austere environments.
This was the first type of training between these two NATO allies.
Without the strategic access provided by the infrastructure, support and
host nation relationships at U.S. and host nation installations, these
TSP deployments would not be possible.
"As my first deployment, it was a great experience getting to work with
different countries, and getting to see how our European allies train
and fight," said Capt. Travis Vayda, 354th EFS scheduler. "This TSP gave
us a chance to see a different way of doing things, and find better
ways to integrate with our allies."
The A-10 TSP redeployment coronet is Vayda's second time at Lajes Field, passing through once before on his way downrange.
"I would definitely say I got the family treatment coming through Lajes," said Vayda.
The Lajes Field flightline is utilized regularly by U.S., Portuguese and
third nation military and commercial aircraft. Due to its strategic
location and as the Air Force's second largest fuel store, the 65th Air
Base Wing is uniquely positioned to provide agile combat support and
services to aircraft and aircrews.
"Our Operations Support Squadron's primary mission is to provide first
class support for the coronets," said Maj. Lindsey Bauer, 65 OSS
operations officer. "It is an exciting mission because it involves
every single one of our shops, teamwork is essential to make it all
happen."
from 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
8/4/2015 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The
354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron completed its theater security
package mission throughout Europe in support of Operation Atlantic
Resolve, July 31, 2015.
The squadron's 12 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and approximately 300
Airmen from the 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base,
Arizona, forward-deployed to Eastern European locations and conduct
flying training alongside NATO allies with the goal of strengthening
interoperability and enhancing regional security.
Operation Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of U.S. European Command
and United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa's continued
commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to the
enduring peace and stability in the region.
"This TSP is a long range, strategic capability to allow the Air Force
greater flexibility against evolving threats," said U.S. Air Force Lt.
Gen. Darryl Roberson, then-3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air
Force commander, during the Feb. 18, 2015, announcement of the TSP at
Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. "It is not tied to a specific platform or
aircraft, but instead is a method of presenting forces at the right
time to the right combatant commander. Our abilities must remain agile
to sustain and increase regional security."
The 354th EFS participated in 21 exercises, compiling more than 1,500
sorties and nearly 2,700 flight hours while engaging with 22 countries
as part of their deployment.
"To the men and women of the 354th EFS, you are a part of an important
mission," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Hayde, 354th EFS commander,
during his first address to the squadron during a May 15, 2015, change
of command ceremony at Campia Turzii, Romania. "That mission has taken
this squadron around Europe. We have trained together with our NATO
allies. We have forward deployed to multiple locations and proven we can
deploy munitions in close proximity to friendly troops in any weather,
day or night."
Although a first in Europe, the Air Force has been conducting similar TSP rotations in the Pacific region since 2004.
"These Airmen and A-10s of the 354th EFS provide a strategic symbol as
they represent U.S. commitment to European security and stability," said
Roberson during an April 17, 2015, media event at Campia Turzii.
The squadron's aircraft and Airmen will return home to Davis-Monthan after deploying out of Spangdahlem since Feb. 13, 2015.
"As our adopted sisters and brothers of the 354th EFS Bulldogs redeploy
home, they can be proud of the hard work they've put in and all they've
accomplished toward assuring our NATO allies and enhancing our
collective combat capability and readiness," said Col. Joe McFall, 52nd
Fighter Wing commander. "As the first unit to deploy in support of
Europe's first TSP, they've set the bar for future TSP units on
effective partnering with our allies to ensure the safety and stability
of the alliance. Moreover, they have done so with class and a can-do
attitude while operating at multiple locations with the leanest of
support. A huge thanks for a job well done!"
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