U.S. Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces Africa
Published July 18, 2019
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cody Albert, 421st Fighter Squadron crew chief, marshals an F-35A Lightning II during Operation Rapid Forge at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 18, 2019. Rapid Forge aircraft are forward deploying to the territory of NATO allies to improve interoperability. The goal of the operation is to increase the readiness and responsiveness of U.S. forces in Europe and assist allies to increase regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valerie Seelye)
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, taxis toward the runway at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 18, 2019, during Operation Rapid Forge. Rapid Forge aircraft are forward deploying to bases in the territory of NATO allies in order to enhance readiness and improve interoperability. The goal of the operation is to enhance readiness in coordination with U.S. allies and partners in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Preston Cherry)
F-35A Lightning II fighter jets arrived at Siauilai Air Base, Lithuania, today as part of Operation Rapid Forge, along with F-15E Strike Eagles and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. Rapid Forge is a U.S. Air Forces in Europe-sponsored training event designed to enhance interoperability with NATO allies and partners, improve readiness and sharpen operational capabilities. Fighter and mobility aircraft also deployed to bases in Poland and Estonia today as part of the exercise. F-15E Strike Eagles and MC-130J Commando II aircraft arrived at Amari AB, Estonia, to conduct refueling operations. C-130J Super Hercules aircraft arrived at Powidz Air Base, Poland. The ability to operate at forward locations enables collective defense capabilities and provides the U.S. and NATO allies the strategic and operational breadth needed to deter adversaries and assure our allies and partners. The F-35s are deployed from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill AFB, Utah. F-15E Strike Eagles are deployed from the 4th FW, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Both squadrons of fighter jets are operating out of Spangdahlem AB, Germany. The MC-130J aircraft are from the 352nd Special Operations Wing at RAF Mildenhall, England, and the C-130J aircraft are from the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein AB, Germany, and from the 317th AW deployed to Ramstein from Dyess AFB, Texas. Additional details on the training and imagery will be released as it is available. Rapid Forge is partially funded by the European Deterrence Initiative.