Polish air force participates in first Red Flag

Members of the Polish air force C-130 Hercules maintenance crew ensure the propellers are working on the aircraft during Red Flag-Alaska on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 13, 2012. The goal of Red Flag-Alaska is to provide each aircrew with vital first missions to increase their chances of survival in combat environments.

Polish air force at Red Flag

Polish air force 1st Lt. Tomasz Kozlowski, C-130 Hercules co-pilot, performs a preflight inspection during Red Flag-Alaska on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 13, 2012. The goal of Red Flag-Alaska is to provide each aircrew with vital first missions to increase their chances of survival in combat environments.

Saber Strike

Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip is briefed on the capabilities of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker by Lt. Col. Paul Beck, a pilot with the 171st Air Refueling Squadron. The aircraft was in Estonia for Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Dan Heaton)

Saber Strike

Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip shakes hands with Airmen from the Michigan Air National Guard at Amari Air Base, Estonia, June 15, 2012. The Airmen were at Amari for Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. Lt. Col. William Henderson is behind the prime minister. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Dan Heaton)

U.S., Polish Air Forces agree to exchange personnel

WARSAW -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Polish Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Lech Majewski shake hands during the Military Personnel Exchange Program (MPEP) Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony May 30, 2012 witnessed by U.S. Embassy Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak The MOU is the first of its kind in Central Europe and a significant step for both Air Forces. Through MPEP, the U.S. and Polish Air Forces exchange military officers in each other's Services. Along with family members, several Air Force Captains will work and live alongside their Allies. MPEP promotes mutual understanding and trust, enhances interoperability, strengthens air force-to-air force ties, and develops long-term professional and personal relationships. The Air Force officers and their families are expected to be in-place by the end of 2013 at Powidz and Krzesiny Air Bases in Poland, and at Luke and Pope Air Force Bases in Arizona and North Carolina. (Courtesy Photo)

U.S., Polish Air Forces agree to exchange personnel

WARSAW -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Polish Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Lech Majewski sign the Military Personnel Exchange Program Memorandum of Understanding May 30, 2012 at a ceremony witnessed by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires William Heidt and Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak. The MOU is the first of its kind in Central Europe and a significant step for both Air Forces. Through MPEP, the U.S. and Polish Air Forces exchange military officers in each other's Services. Along with family members, several Air Force Captains will work and live alongside their Allies. MPEP promotes mutual understanding and trust, enhances interoperability, strengthens air force-to-air force ties, and develops long-term professional and personal relationships. The Air Force officers and their families are expected to be in-place by the end of 2013 at Powidz and Krzesiny Air Bases in Poland, and at Luke and Pope Air Force Bases in Arizona and North Carolina. (Courtesy Photo)