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RAMSTEIN, Germany – US Air Force F-15 fighter jets supporting NATO's Air Policing mission at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, headed back to Lakenheath Air Base, United Kingdom after their successful deployment to Iceland throughout July.

But now you get to do it in real life and it gives you a sense of purpose of doing something not only for our country but for our allies

"At any time we can be called in. We know how these jets are, we know they are prepared – we trust them. You are always training and practicing, but now you get to do it in real life and it gives you a sense of purpose of doing something not only for our country but for our allies as well," said Staff Sergeant Brian Nuyen, Crew Chief, 493^rd Fighter Squadron.

Air Defence training missions provide the necessary degree of training to NATO and Icelandic support personnel. Ensuring the Alliance can conduct a full-scale peacetime air-policing mission at the shortest possible notice if required by real world events.

Up until 2006, the US Air Force maintained a permanent force presence in Iceland. Following a NATO Military Committee decision in2007, Allies deploy several fighter detachments per year to ensure availability of interceptor aircraft for NATO's Air Policing in the area. Since 2008, the US has filled one rotation each year showcasing the Alliance's transatlantic link and solidarity among Allies when it comes to credible deterrence and defence.

U.S. Air Force maintenance personnel assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing attend to an F-15C Eagle during NATO Air Policing Operations at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, July 27, 2021. This year marks 60 years of NATO Air Policing across Europe and remains a fundamental component of how NATO provides security to its members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Maxwell

U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron taxi after completing a training sortie in support of NATO Air Policing operations at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, July 27, 2021. Air defence flying training missions provide the necessary degree of training to NATO and Icelandic support personnel to ensure that the Alliance can conduct a full-scale peacetime air-policing mission at the shortest possible notice if required by real world events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Maxwell)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron help guide an F-15C Eagle into a hardened aircraft shelter during NATO Air Policing operations at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, July 27, 2021. NATO Air Policing is a peacetime collective defense mission that safeguards the integrity of NATO alliance members' airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Maxwell)