Jet arrival marks start of Golden Lance

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Dobrydney
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
CAMPIA TURZII AIR BASE, Romania --  A fleet of 10 F-15Cs from the 493rd Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England, arrived here Oct. 21 for the start of Operation Golden Lance.

The objective of the exercise is to build partnership capabilities by conducting joint air-to-air combat training operations with the Romanian air force.

"We're excited to bring our F-15C capability to demonstrate our air superiority skills, train with a formidable NATO ally and integrate our services on offensive counter-aircraft training missions," said Lt. Col. Skip Pribyl, 493rd FS commander.

The exercise also provides the opportunity for pilots of the two air forces to compare each other's aircraft, said Golden Lance project officer Capt. Scott Snider.

"They gave us a very through briefing [on the MiG-21], allowing us to get a feel for their aircraft and what sort of endurance it has, which is important for us when planning training operations," said Captain Snider.

While this is the first time the 493rd FS has conducted training with Romanian pilots, Colonel Pribyl said they already share a common link. In the past, Romanian air force units from this base have performed the Baltic Air Police mission the 493rd FS is currently performing elsewhere in the world.

"We already have a close partnership because we share similar mission sets," said Colonel Pribyl.

Romanian air force Captain Commander Laurentiu Chirita, director of flying operations for the 71st Air Base at Campia Turzii, was detachment commander of the Romanian unit during their execution of the Baltic Air Police mission and welcomes the chance to continue the close working relationship between the Romanian and American air forces.

"By working with the USAFE units, we can improve our procedures as NATO members for pilots and maintenance personnel," he said.