Polish AvDet Activates

LASK AIR BASE, Poland --The 52nd Operations Group, Detachment 1, guidon stands on the flightline during an Aviation Detachment (AV DET) activation ceremony on Lask Air Base, Poland Nov. 9, 2012. The AV DET will be an enduring presence with 10 Airmen, but F-16 and C-130 crews and aircraft will rotate periodically for training, where the total number of personnel could surge up to 250. The AV DET supports Poland's continued defense modernization and standardization with the U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)

Polish AvDet Activates

LASK AIR BASE, Poland -- Members of the 52nd Operations Group, Detachment 1, and Spangdahlem Air Base Honor Guard stand in formation during an Aviation Detachment (AV DET) activation ceremony on the flightline at Lask Air Base, Poland, Nov. 9, 2012. The AV DET will be an enduring presence with 10 Airmen, but F-16 and C-130 crews and aircraft will rotate periodically for training, where the total number of personnel could surge up to 250. The AV DET supports Poland's continued defense modernization and standardization with the U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)

USAFE Concert Band tours Poland; builds partnerships through music

WARKA, Poland -- Artur Gebski, a local community orchestra conductor, leads the United States Air Forces in Europe Concert Band during a performance in a local community center Nov. 6, 2012. In celebration of his band's 100th year anniversary, Gebski was asked to lead the USAFE Concert Band as a guest conductor during a joint performance of the two bands. The USAFE Concert Band toured Poland to forge new friendships around the country and reinforce bonds between the U.S. and Poland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)

EIAMDC officially opens

Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe commander, (left) looks on, as Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, Allied Air Command Ramstein commander, addresses NATO and senior leaders prior to the European Integrated Air and Missile Defense Center ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 26, 2012. The EIAMDC addresses increased education and training requirements driven by a new approach to missile defense and the emerging NATO territorial ballistic missile defense mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Tyrona Lawson)

U.S. military inspires South African youth

WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa -- Members of the U.S. military participating in the Africa Aerospace and Defense exposition pose for a picture in front of a C-17 Globe Master III with students from Jerusalem High School after a tour of a C-17 Globe Master III during the Youth Development Program event at the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 21. For many of the children in attendance this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to personally speak to pilots, engineers and other service members involved in aviation from both the South African military and the U.S. military. Partnering with this program gives the U.S. military means to enhance cooperation and capabilities with South Africa while helping to build up future generations here through education and awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

U.S. military inspires South African youth

WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa -- Senior Master Sgt. Dean Carter, 300th Airlift Squadron chief loadmaster from Joint Base Charleston S.C., speaks to students from Jerusalem High School after a tour of a C-17 Globe Master III during the Youth Development Program event at the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 21. According to event organizers, children living in the outskirts of the country were flown into the exposition to participate in the program by the South African military. Enabling those in poor communities to partake in the event and encourage them to become resilient and self-reliant. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)