Two E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System arrive in Germany Published June 4, 2018 An E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) assigned to the 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and an Air Force Reserve Component C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio arrived at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, June 1. A second Air Reserve Component AWACS assigned to the 970th Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, arrived at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, June 4. Both AWACS are scheduled to participate in Exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) and the Saber Strike 18 exercises. The C-17 transported personnel and equipment to support the AWACS deployment but are not participating in either exercise. BALTOPS will focus on naval response to a crisis in the Baltic Sea region. The air assets involved in the exercise will work with naval forces to provide air defense, maritime domain awareness and support amphibious operations. The Saber Strike exercise facilitates cooperation between the U.S., Estonia, Latvia Lithuania, Poland, and other allied and partner nations to improve joint operational capability in a variety of missions and prepare the participating nations and units for future operations while enhancing the NATO alliance. Training with joint partners, allied nations and other U.S. Air Force units contributes to ready and postured forces and enables Airmen to build enduring and strategic relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges. For more information, contact +49 (0) 6371-47-6558 or via e-mail at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil. If after duty hours, please call +49 (0) 1624-25-5428 or send an e-mail to usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.