Lajes fuels E-3 in support of NATO operations in Libya

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chyrece Campbell
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  An E-3 Sentry from the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., stopped at Lajes Field after returning from its mission in support of NATO Operation Unified Protector April 11, 2011.

Operation Unified Protector is part of NATO's contribution efforts to protect civilians in Libya, as called for in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973.

"The support from Lajes personnel was excellent, and we were impressed with their operations," Lt. Col. Kevin Penrod, 552nd ACW acting director of staff and mission crew commander. "Their dedication to mission accomplishment was obvious and our aircrew was very appreciative of their efforts to get the job done!"

Team Lajes members from the 65th Operations Support Squadron and the 65th Mission Support Group supported the E-3 team by providing lodging for the crew and aircraft security, along with aircraft support by issuing fuel.

"It was a lot of responsibility helping with the security coordination for the E-3 Sentry, which is a Protection Level 2 aircraft," said Airman 1st Class Matthew Mattson, 65th Security Forces Squadron security defense coordination center controller.

The U.S. Air Force security forces works with Air Base 4 Portuguese air force police to provide security for the installation.

"Providing security to the E-3 Sentry in support of the NATO mission was just like any other day," said Staff Sgt. Jason Khan, security forces flight sergeant. "We're postured to provide the highest level of security, regardless if it is a protection level one asset or routine base security."

The E-3 Sentry, after being refueled with more than 2,000 gallons of fuel, was able to return to its home station.

"Lajes airfield sits in the middle of the Atlantic and has historically been an important strategic stopover," said Colonel Penrod. "As the operations tempo of the USAF increases with emerging taskings, Lajes gives our planners airflow options and eases the burden of our heavily-tasked aerial refueling tanker fleet."

Lajes Field offered an opportune option to refuel and continue to Tinker AFB in a timely manner.