442nd FW, 185th ARW support NATO ally

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Melissa Sterling | A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, refuels an A-10 from the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, during a flying training deployment at Ämari Air Base, Estonia, July 26, 2016. This is the first time personnel and aircraft from the 185th ARW are providing support for an Estonian FTD which allows them to further develop relationships with their NATO allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Missy Sterling/released)  

37, ESTONIA

07.26.2016

Story by Senior Airman Melissa Sterling 

442d Fighter Wing

The A-10s will be participating in a flying training deployment with the Estonian air force as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

A USAF KC-135 Stratotanker from the 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, and approximately 230 USAF support personnel from bases across the U.S. and Europe are also at Ämari to support the FTD.

“It’s important for Guardsmen, Reservists and active-duty members to work together so when we need to deploy we’re ready to send Airmen anywhere,” said Col. Gregory Eckfeld, 442nd FW vice commander and troop commander of this movement.

The two-week exercise will serve to enhance mutual capabilities of the United States and Estonia while working alongside other NATO Allies and partner nations on regional security and interoperability.

“Our fighters were here last year,” said Eckfeld. “We are committed to building and retaining our relationship with our NATO allies.”

The A-10s will further train with British Royal Air Force as well as with Estonian, Lithuanian, and Latvian joint terminal attack controllers at the nearby Tapa Range.

Additionally, medical professionals with the 442nd Medical Squadron and firefighters with the 442nd Civil Engineering Squadron will be participating in familiarization and integration training with Estonia and British forces respectively.

This FTD is an example of total force integration with active duty, guard and reserve Airmen coming together to provide critical support throughout the USAFE-AFAFRICA areas of operation by deploying together and interacting with a variety of nations.

• Date Taken: 07.26.2016
• Date Posted: 07.26.2016 15:26
• Story ID: 205123
• Location: 37, EE