Mad Hatters support Noble Arrow

An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 492nd Fighter Squadron takes off for a sortie in support of Noble Arrow 16 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England Oct. 11. The training prepares all air forces allocated to the NATO Response Force 2017 and offers similar training opportunities for participating, non-NRF, air units. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield)

Mad Hatters support Noble Arrow

Published Oct. 12, 2016
By Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron here launched sorties as they began participation in Noble Arrow 16, Oct. 8.

Noble Arrow is a NATO air exercise conducted with Portugal and the U.K. to provide force integration and combat readiness preparation through varied air-to-air, air-to-surface and air-to-sea scenarios while strengthening allied force interoperability.

“We conduct training with our Allies and partners on a regular basis. These flying exercises improve interoperability between our defense forces and NATO Allies and partners,” said 1st Lt. Tristan Stewart, 492nd FS pilot. “NATO exercises like Noble Arrow assure our Allies that core capabilities are actively being trained to enhance the overall readiness of the alliance.”

The air exercise is being held in conjunction with exercises Joint Warrior, Noble Mariner and Unmanned Warrior, which combined ensure component capabilities to conduct NATO Response Force missions.

Noble Arrow 16 increases cooperation in critical training, and further strengthens our interoperability with NATO Allies in order to meet challenges as a unified force, demonstrating U.S. commitment to European stability and security.