Photo By Staff Sgt. Krystal Ardrey | A KC-135 Stratotanker from the Arizona Air National Guard’s 161st Air Refueling Wing departs for a Flying Training Deployment from Aviano Air Base, Italy on Jan. 21, 2016. The KC-135 joined fourteen F-16 Fighting Falcons and 280 Aviano Airmen in Souda Bay, Greece to participate in the training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Krystal Ardrey) see less
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Fourteen F-16 Fighting Falcons, one KC-135 Stratotanker and 280 Airmen are partnering with their NATO ally, Greece, to evaluate aircraft and personnel capabilities, and to train with Greece's Hellenic air force.
These training engagements are planned in advance to strengthen military-to-military relationships and increase NATO ally interoperability. The scenarios involve combined flying operations between countries to identify and work through coordination concerns that may arise during real-world events.
“Training here at Souda Bay prepares us for any upcoming deployments,” said Lt. Col. Rob Faustman, 555th FS director of operations. “Access to their ranges allows us to drop live ordnance … and utilize other combative tools on our jets.”
Engagements such as these strengthen relationships between the US, allies and partners, and demonstrate the United States' shared commitment to a safe and secure Europe.
“Our Greek counterparts have been extremely accommodating—we wouldn't be able to do any of this without them,” said Faustman. “We look forward to continuing to work with them during an already-stellar FTD.”
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