Photo By Aaron Perkins | Members of the Oregon Air National Guard's 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS)...... read more read more
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PORTLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Oregon – More than 250 Airmen and supporting F-15 Eagle fighter jets deployed this week from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR).
The deployment is part of the Theater Support Package (TSP), positioning the 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS) to three European nations: The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria. Along with the Oregon Airmen, the deployment is augmented by Eagles and personnel from the Massachusetts Air National Guards’131st Fighter Squadron, and approximately 40 Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
During a mobilization ceremony held on base prior to deployment, Col. Duke Pirak, 142nd Fighter Wing commander, stressed to those in attendance, the United States continued the commitment to the security and stability in Europe.
“Congratulations on this historic opportunity to strengthen the NATO Alliance and demonstrate American resolve and dedication to its European friends both old and new,” said Pirak.
With the deployment of these three NATO counties, the Airmen will conduct readiness training, highlighting the United States’ ability to deploy fighter aircraft to support allied partners.
As the presiding officer at the mobilization ceremony, Brig. Gen. James A. Kriesel, Oregon Air National Guard commander, acknowledged the ongoing security of the European region and it's “important vitally in today’s events.”
“When we deploy and bring America somewhere, we bring confidence to our partners and the rest of the world,” said Kriesel, reminding the Airmen of their roles as ambassadors for the Air Force and country.
Echoing Kriesel call to action, Lt. Col. Aaron J. Mathena, 123rd EFS detachment commander, described the preparation for the mission.
“Our support to the Operation Atlantic Resolve mission is to underscore the commitment we have for our NATO allies, building partnerships as we train with of our host nations.”
The Frisian Flag 2018 exercise in the Netherlands, as well as training in the airspaces in Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom will allow the 123rd EFS to gain valuable training with their collation partners.
“We’re here participating with a number of countries all which have different aircraft, which subsequently bring different capabilities,” Mathena explained. “Ultimately, this collations’ capabilities will enhance our skills, as we practice and rehearse various situations during our deployment.”
The Squadron has sharpened their skills with two recent training periods at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in the past year. Last summer over 120 Airman and six Eagles spent three weeks supporting the Weapons Instructor Course. Early this year another large wave of Redhawk Airmen were back at Nellis, polishing their skills as part of Exercise Red Flag 18-1, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 16.
“The 123rd Air Expeditionary Fighter Squadron has never been more ready than they are today to handle the nations’ business,” said Mathena, having been the commander during those two temporary duty assignments.
“Heading into training environment of Frisian Flag and Thracian Eagle, our readiness for every Airman is as high as it could be, whether they are deploying or still serving in their home station duty roles.”
The challenges continue for many of the members deploying for this TSP assignment. For Tech. Sgt. Davina Mitchell, a security manager, and her husband Staff Sgt. Michael, an aircraft technician, the OAR mission has the couple deploying at the same time but not to the same location.
“It will be tough at times but I am really ready for this deployment,” Michael Mitchell elaborated. “I know this is a very important mission, so I am just ready to get there and get started.”
“We will find ways to stay in touch,” explained Davina Mitchell, as she described using the internet and mobile device communication during their separation. “(Like Michael) I am really excited about this opportunity, as I get to be part of this mission while going with our unit.”
| Date Taken: | 03.23.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.23.2018 23:15 |
| Story ID: | 270491 |
| Location: | PORTLAND AIR GUARD STATION, OR, US |
| Web Views: | 2,500 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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