SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Members of the 480th Fighter Squadron and Hungarian air force came together to strengthen their partnership and prepare for future training opportunities.
Attendees held a meeting to coordinate future plans of a possible training mission to Hungary where military forces will get the opportunity to fly with dissimilar aircraft and NATO partners, as well as create unique and local experiences for all parties involved.
U.S. Air Force Col. Jason E. Bailey, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, and Lt. Col. Michael Richard, 480th Fighter Squadron commander welcomed Hungarian air force Maj. Viktor Lango, 1st Puma Squadron exercise planner, 1st Lt. Aitila Kovacs, Hungarian air force Veszprem air command and control center controller, and Maj. Zsolt Szigeti, battalion chief of staff.
“I am excited to see how this comes along,” said Richard. “This opportunity is something that we have been looking forward to for a long time, and we are going to do what needs to be done for this to happen.”
The meeting provided partner air forces face-to-face strategic planning opportunities and a chance to gain an understanding of what is required from both military forces.
“This is a phenomenal training opportunity to fly with our NATO partners,” said. Capt. Michael O’Donnell, 480th Fighter Squadron current operations flight commander. “We are looking forward to working with the Hungarian military forces and helping each other out.”