Children from local schools ask questions about the F-15 Eagle during a base visit in Siauliai, Lithuania. The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from October to January in support of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission, offered tours and visits to the local community to help foster positive community relations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

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Crew chiefs from the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron work diligently to inspect an F-15 Eagle after landing in Siauliai, Lithuania. The F-15's in Siauliai were required to be on alert status 24 hours a day to support the ongoing NATO Baltic Air Policing mission there. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

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Capt. Tyrone Cofield and Maj. Jeff Galloway, 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, respond to an alert Nov. 12 in Siauliai, Lithuania. More than 100 Airmen from the 48th Fighter Wing deployed to support the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission from October to January. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

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Air Policing

Airmen from the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron entertained children at a local children's home in Siauliai, Lithuania. While deployed to Siauliai, the Airmen enjoyed the local community and traditions of their host nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

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Air Policing

An F-15 Eagle from the 493rd Fighter Squadron returns home from a three-month deployment to Lithuania Jan. 5 at RAF Lakenheath, England. The 493rd FS was participating in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission, supporting Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)

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493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron bids farewell to Lithuanian hosts

Published Jan. 7, 2009
By Capt. Jay Talbert
493rd Fighter Squadron

SIAULIAI, Lithuania -- The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, England, recently deployed here in support of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.

Starting Oct. 1, the 493rd EFS maintained a 24 hour, 7 day-a-week readiness posture, ready to launch two combat-armed F-15 Eagles. Thanks to the constant effort of skilled maintenance crews, highly trained pilots and dedicated support personnel, the 493rd EFS was able to get the F-15s airborne and ready to defend the Baltic States within less than 15 minutes from the scramble order notification.

The members of the 493rd EFS enjoyed their time in Siauliai and the surrounding areas when not on duty. Personnel attempted to have a positive impact on the community, interacting with the local population and taking part in homeland traditions.
The 493rd EFS participated in the "Christmas Angel" program, in which deployed Airmen donated their time and money to provide the children of a local children's home with much needed clothing, more than $500 of donations and many Christmas toys for kids who would not otherwise have had anything to open Christmas Day.

Although the 493rd EFS passed the Baltic Air Policing mission to the Royal Danish Air Force on Jan. 5, the change was bittersweet.

It was a tremendous honor and a noble responsibility to aid a nation in developing her defensive capabilities and sovereignty.

We left our Lithuanian friends with a military salute and a friend's handshake, confident that the future will bring security and peace of mind to our NATO allies.