ŁASK AIR BASE, Poland -- F-16 Fighting Falcons and Airmen assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, are participating in Aviation Detachment Rotation 21.3 at Łask Air Base, Poland.
ADRs provide vital integration opportunities with Poland and total force training with Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units to ensure interoperability.
“The intent of the ADR is to provide unique training opportunities for both countries’ forces as well as enhance our interoperability in terms of doctrines, procedures, and equipment,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jake Houder, 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron detachment commander. "This is a great opportunity for us to prepare together for future operations and missions through mutually beneficial exercises and training."
The 52nd Operations Group, Detachment 1, is a geographically separated unit, located at Łask Air Base. They serve as a regional hub for air training and they support four rotations of flying missions annually. U.S. Air Force Maj. Pete Namyslowski, 52nd Operations Group, Detachment 1 director of operations said it's always great to host Airmen from Spangdahlem AB.
"As a geographically separated unit of the 52nd FW, it’s a unique experience to be able to bring the home team out to Poland and share our host nation’s history, culture, & people," Namyslowski said. "The 52nd FW is a frequent flyer of our ADRs and it’s always an honor to support them out here."
On top of training with the Polish air force, the 480th EFS will also have the chance to train with Airmen from the 108th Air Refueling Squadron, 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, who will provide aerial refueling during the training.
"This experience is vital for our Airmen because it places them in a new environment and also one where they have the opportunity to work more closely with individuals who may have different specialties or be from a partner nation," Houder said. "I’m excited for us to embrace this opportunity to foster a highly-motivated, diverse, and capable team."