Techs, mechanics and pilots make sure systems are go for RARO 12
NAMEST AIR BASE, Czech Republic -- Senior Airman Michael Tan, 81st Fighter Squadron crew chief, cleans the landing struts of an A-10 Thunderbolt II before it takes off for a close air support exercise mission Sept. 10, during Ramstein Rover 2012 here. During this mission the A-10s provided support to German and Italian forward air controllers. RARO12 is a NATO partnership building exercise involving more than 16 nations. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 81st FS are participating in the exercise to provide close air support to partnering nations and practice forward air control missions with their NATO allies in international security assistance force realistic scenarios. Participating in exercises like RARO12 ensures effective employment of airpower in support of alliance or coalition forces while mitigating risks to civilians in contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard/Released)