Marine Hornets swap NATO enhanced air policing role

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  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs

Ten F/A-18C Hornet fighter aircraft from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s (MAW) Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 arrived at Lask Air Base, Poland, June 10, to replace 2nd MAW’s VMFA 312.

VMFA 312 initially deployed to Europe in support of exercise Cold Response 2022, with F/A-18 and KC-130 aircraft before repositioning to Poland in support of U.S. European Command’s request to bolster NATO’s eastern flank.

Throughout their 3-month rotational deployment, the U.S. Marines executed NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission in the Baltic Sea region and throughout Poland.  They regularly integrated with Allied partners supplementing the coalition force’s defensive operations throughout Europe.

VMFA 323 will continue the mission of VMFA 312, which demonstrates the U.S. commitment to NATO Allies and European partners in safeguarding NATO territory from aggression.

Since 2014, the NATO Alliance has implemented assurance measures with the goal to secure regional stability and assure Allies.Critical to this effort is Enhanced Air Policing, or eAP, which demonstrates NATO's solidarity and collective resolve. Recently, this enduring mission has been combined with a proven ability to scale defensive missions in response to an evolving security situation.

For media interested in engagement opportunities, please contact U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs as +49 06371-47-6558 or email usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.