Sabers deploy to Lithuania, join NATO air policing mission

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tom Crosson
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
More than 100 Sabers and a detachment of F-16s from the 23rd Fighter Squadron departed Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, throughout the last week of September to take part in NATO’s air policing mission over the skies of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

This three-month deployment will allow U.S. Air Forces in Europe to fulfill their commitment to NATO by providing air defense and security to the Baltic States.

Since March 2004, when Lithuania joined NATO, alliance nations have policed the airspace over the Baltic states on three-month rotations. So far, Belgium, Denmark, Britain, Norway, the Netherlands and Germany have participated in this mission. Poland will take over the air policing mission from the 52nd Fighter Wing on Jan. 1, 2006.

NATO officials said the 23rd Fighter Squadron’s mission will primarily consist of radar observation, radar identification and air traffic control with respect to an aircraft of concern. If required by the situation, interceptor aircraft could be used to assist aircraft in distress or conduct visual identification of suspect aircraft.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to execute this mission. We look forward to working with the armed forces of the Baltic nations to provide them the capabilities they require to ensure the integrity of their airspace,” said Lt. Col. David Youtsey, 23rd FS Director of Operations and the detachment commander during this deployment. “We are enthusiastic about performing our NATO mission for NATO’s newest members”

Prior to the deployment, Colonel Youtsey said his detachment will deploy with sufficient personnel, aircraft, and support equipment to accomplish the mission in a relatively bare-base environment. He added that the detachment anticipated developing strong bonds of friendship and cooperation among NATO’s newest allies.

NATO’s air policing mission is purely defensive. It is not in response to any specific threat, but rather it is a routine and a fundamental component of how NATO provides security to its members and their areas of operation.

The 23rd Fighter Squadron officially accepted the mission Sept. 30 during a handover ceremony at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania. The 52nd FW replaced the German Fighter Wing 71 “Richthofen” out of Wittmund, Germany.