A dozen F-16C Fighting Falcons and more than 250 airmen from the Air Force Reserve’s 301st Fighter Wing have deployed to Campia Turzii, Romania, to respond to regional threats as the 457th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, the latest Theater Security Package under Operation Atlantic Resolve.

The 457th, out of Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, will conduct the deterrence and partnership-building rotation — also known as “Dacian Viper 19” — through the end of July.

“The Theater Security Package here in Romania has three primary functions,” said Lt. Col. Josh Padgett, 457th EFS commander, in an Air Force news release. “One, we are here to deter any regional aggression; two, we are looking to strengthen our NATO alliances; and three, we want to build relationships with our local hosts here in Romania.”

The F-16 aircrews, who flew their first training sorties Wednesday, will conduct tactical training with Romanian pilots, who fly MiG-21 fighters. The training will also give Romanian joint terminal attack controllers an opportunity to work with Air Force pilots.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., delivers support equipment for Theater Security Package 19.1, Campia Turzii, Romania, May 8, 2019. TSP 19.1 is supported by U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. Funded through the European Deterrence Initiative, TSP 19.1 provides a more robust U.S. military rotational presence in the European theater, capable of deterring, and if required, responding to regional threats. While in theater, these personnel and aircraft will participate in multiple readiness exercises alongside NATO allies and partners to strengthen interoperability and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the stability and security of Europe (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Andrew Layton).

“As a matter of training, we expect to approach both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions together,” said Comandor Călin Hulea, squadron commander, 71st Air Base, Romanian air force, in the release. “The F-16s plan to go to Romanian training ranges to utilize the targets there for practice, but the main focus will be on tactical intercept, air combat maneuvering, and visual flight rules.”

During TSP 19.1, U.S. airmen will also take part in several multinational exercises with NATO partners including Astral Knight, Saber Guardian, Swift Response, and Decisive Strike, according to the release.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, maintain F-16C Fighting Falcons at Campia Turzii, Romania, May 6, 2019, as part of Theater Security Package 19.1 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Funded through the European Deterrence Initiative, TSP 19.1 provides a more robust U.S. military rotational presence in the European theater, capable of deterring, and if required, responding to regional threats. While in theater, these personnel and aircraft will participate in multiple readiness exercises alongside NATO allies and partners to strengthen interoperability and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the stability and security of Europe (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Andrew Layton).

Share:
In Other News
Load More