The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability with NATO allies, to improve readiness and sharpen operational capabilities. In order for NATO nations to be prepared and trained to respond to any arising threat, this type of training activity is essential.

The multifunctional Airmen at these locations were able to perform a variety of roles – e.g. weapons loaders could drive a refueling truck and avionics specialists could provide airfield security, while also performing their primary duties.

This type of exercise tests the U.S. Air Force’s ability to rapidly deploy in smaller, more efficient and agile teams to austere and potentially contested areas. Another benefit of this operation is the improvement of working in a team, consisting of different nations, with different military backgrounds, but with one common goal, securing the skies of NATO’s territory and its population. Over the course of the next days, the jets will conduct more training at other locations in the region.

The F-35s are deployed from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. F-15E Strike Eagles are deployed from the 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Both squadrons of fighter jets are operating out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.