U.S., NATO partners train at Anatolian Eagle 15

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Burks
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KONYA, Turkey --  Anatolian Eagle 15, a flying training exercise involving U.S. Air Forces in Europe units and multiple NATO partners, kicked off at the 3rd Main Jet Base, June 8, here.

During the two-week exercise, approximately 250 personnel and12 F-15 aircraft from the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, are participating in training focused on exercising operational and logistical processes for U.S. air forces to deploy to, operate in and around, and to continue regular combined training to increase tactical interoperability between U.S. and Turkish air forces.

Lt. Col. John Stratton, 493rd Fighter Squadron commander, said, "Anatolian Eagle is a great opportunity for our aircrews to hone their operational skills from a forward operating location."

He also highlighted how the exercise allows U.S. forces to bolster relationships and interoperability with our international partners.

"Through strengthened relationships and engagements with our allies, the U.S. and NATO demonstrate our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Europe," he said. "We represent America's forward presence, postured alongside our proven, indispensable allies."

Anatolian Eagle is a bi-annual event with U.S. participation  since 2001. This year, other participants along with the U.S. include units from Turkey, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and Pakistan.