Photo By Capt. Fernando Ochoa | Airman from the Polish air force march on the 21st Air Base tarmac during the 21st Air...... read more read more
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SWIDWIN, Poland – Paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, based at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, and now conducting joint exercises in Poland, attended the 21st Air Base Air Show, June 28, in Swidwin, Poland.
This event marks the 30th anniversary of the Sukhoi-22UM Polish Fighter in the air.
“We are honored that American Soldiers are here to help us celebrate this very special day,” said Polish Lt. Col. Tomasz Chukowshi, 21st Air Base chief of logistics. “We are happy that we are receiving support from such a valuable NATO ally.”
The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe and is capable of projecting forces to conduct the full of range of military operations across the United States European, Central and Africa commands’ areas of responsibility.
On this day, hundreds of local residents came to see their Air Force conduct aero maneuvers, watch a parade of Airman and the Polish marching band, look at display booths and enjoy the day’s festivities.
The Polish Air Force can trace its origins to the months following the end of World War I in 1918. Following the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in 1939, parts of the Polish Air Force were destroyed. Nevertheless, most managed to escape and continue fighting throughout World War II in air squadrons first in France and Britain, then later in the Soviet Union.
“I am happy we were included in this celebration. I think events like this, meeting and enjoying the company of Polish leaders, it is more important than strapping on gear and going into the woods,” said Maj. Nathan Williams, operations officer, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. “Being in Poland is an opportunity to conduct joint exercises with a valued NATO partner to reassure them that we are a committed ally.”
The Polish Air Force has steadily built its forces, and by 2012 has increased the number of planes to three squadrons of American-built fully-operational F-16 fighter aircraft.
U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) has more than 15 years of military cooperation with Poland and sent approximately 600 paratroopers from the brigade to the Baltic region to demonstrate commitment to NATO obligations and sustain interoperability with allied forces. The 173rd Airborne will be training in Poland for several months.
| Date Taken: | 06.28.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.03.2014 02:28 |
| Story ID: | 135206 |
| Location: | SWIDWIN, PL |
| Web Views: | 184 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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