122nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron participate in Frisian Flag 2017

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Snyder | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Matrine, a crew chief with the 159th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, cleans the canopy on an F-15C Eagle aircraft assigned to the Louisiana Air National Guard at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, March 28, 2017. The 122nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, comprised of Louisiana and Florida Air National Guard members, conducted training alongside NATO allies to strengthen interoperability and demonstrate U.S. commitment to the security and stability of Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder)  

LEEUWARDEN, NETHERLANDS

03.30.2017

Story by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder 

52nd Fighter Wing

LEEUWARDEN AIR BASE, Netherlands -- The 122nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, comprised of approximately 300 Airmen from the Louisiana Air National Guard, and F15s from both the Louisiana and Florida ANG, have deployed to Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, as part of a Theater Security Package.

While in country, the 122nd EFS, along with seven other coalition partners are also participating in Royal Netherlands Air Force exercise, Frisian Flag 2017, March 27 to April 7, 2017.

During this exercise around 50 aircraft will take to the sky daily.

“Anytime a pilot goes to a flag, a larger force exercise, you get a great training opportunity you may not get back home,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Fischer, 122nd EFS commander.

The 122nd EFS will conduct training alongside our North Atlantic Treaty Organization Allies and partners to strengthen interoperability and to demonstrate United States commitment to the security and stability of Europe.

“We are strong members of the NATO alliance and remain prepared with credible force to assure, deter and defend our allies,” said Maj. Gen. Jon K. Kelk, Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa. “Our presence and the relationships we build here allow us to develop and improve those ready air forces. When we have the opportunity to train with coalition air forces, everyone benefits.”

Missions flown during Frisian Flag include air defense missions, offensive missions, missions to protect other aircraft and missions carried out to eliminate static and dynamic targets on land or at sea.

“The benefit of this exercise is when it’s time to respond to any type of contingency or real world event we have now trained with our coalition partners,” said Maj. Gen. Kelk.” “When we do that, we get to advantage our capability and theirs for the best possible outcome.”

322 Squadron at Leeuwarden Air Base is responsible for the organization of Frisian Flag. Leeuwarden AB has hosted Frisian Flag since the exercise’s inception in 1992.

Each training flight lasts for over an hour and is preceded by a substantial period of preparation. In addition, comprehensive analysis is carried out after each flight to ensure that everyone makes the most of the training exercise.

Once the exercise draws to a close, the 122nd EFS will be prepared to redeploy as part of a TSP package to regions throughout Europe to continue its overall mission of strengthening interoperability and demonstrating U.S. commitment to a Europe that is whole, free, secure and able to deter aggression.

• Date Taken: 03.30.2017
• Date Posted: 03.30.2017 09:43
• Story ID: 228587
• Location: LEEUWARDEN, NL