NATO air policing exercise in Iceland
KEFLAVIK, Iceland — From left, Icelandic Coast Guard Capt. Halldor Nellet, U.S. Air Force Maj. Jason Bianchi, 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-15C pilot deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, and ICG Cmdr. Sigurdur Steinar Ketilsson conduct a mission briefing before a search and rescue exercise off the coast of Iceland May 30, 2012. During the exercise, two F-15C Eagle pilots from the 493rd EFS simulated a bailout scenario over Icelandic waters. Pararescuemen jumped into the water and provided medical treatment to the “downed” pilot, who was then hoisted to safety by an Icelandic helicopter. The rescue exercise increased interoperability, as well as developed cohesion between the ICG and the 493rd EFS, which is deployed to Iceland to conduct NATO air policing until June 7, 2012. (Photo Courtesy of Icelandic Coast Guard)