Airmen continue to build friendships with Bulgarian counterparts

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Donner
  • 100 ARW Public Affairs
Exercise --  GRAF INGNATIEVO AIR BASE, Bulgaria—The Airmen of the 492nd Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, continue to build international friendships with the Bulgarian Air Force during exercise Immediate Response 2006.
The purpose of the exercise is for the Air Forces from multiple nations to learn about each other’s aircraft tactics and capabilities.
The pilots of the F-15E Strike Eagles and the MIG-29s and MIG-21s are sharing knowledge of aircraft and tactics as the exercise wraps up its first week of training.
“Our pilots are engaging with the Bulgarians by flying in their formations and exercising in dog fights,” said Lt. Col. Troy Stone, 492nd Fighter Squadron deployed commander.
The goal of the deployment is to learn the tactics and the capabilities of the aircraft. The F-15Es are flying against the same air frames most of the United States’ possible adversaries fly, said Colonel Stone.
“Only two of the 38 aircrew members have had a chance to fly against MIGs,” the colonel added. “By the time the exercise is over, everyone will have had a chance to either fly in a MIG or fly against one.”
The Airmen here are not just learning how to fight against MIGs, but they are also teaching the Bulgarians how to operate in a NATO environment, said Colonel Stone. “The Bulgarians are becoming familiar with NATO briefing and flying procedures.”
Bulgaria allows Airmen to experience a different NATO deployment than a typical Western European exercise. Most western bases have all the equipment and shops already in place, everything needed for the deployment was brought from RAF Lakenheath, requiring integrated teamwork with the logistics, munitions and aircraft maintenance, as well as other support units.
“We brought everything we needed for this deployment, because everything here is Soviet technology,” said Master Sgt. Paul Perron, 48th Munitions Squadron non-commissioned officer in-charge. “We plan three months out to make sure all equipment needed was with us.”
Despite the challenges, the opportunity for the U.S and Bulgarian Air Forces to exercise together helps build friendships and continues the strong cooperation between the two countries.
“The Bulgarians have gone over the top to accommodate the F-15s they have been incredibly helpful. The base and the capabilities of the pilots have exceeded our expectations,” said Colonel Stone.
“The U.S. policy is to expand our interest into Eastern Europe, and exercises like Immediate Response 2006 reinforce the commitment to build relationships with the Bulgarians,” he added.
The exercise ends July 28.