Icelandic Air Policing rotation ends

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Wilson
  • 48th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KEFLAVIK, Iceland --  At 6:00 a.m. June 5, the U.S. Air Force's responsibility ended for the spring rotation of the NATO mission for Icelandic Air Policing at Keflivik International Airport, Iceland.

For the past month, about 200 Airmen, from seven bases throughout the European and Pacific areas of operation, deployed with the 48th Air Expeditionary Group, have fulfilled the commitment to maintain air sovereignty over Iceland's land and sea.

During the deployment, F-15C Eagles, deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, flew 60 sorties and more than 125 hours, accomplishing numerous training objectives while maintaining preparedness to intercept airborne threats over Iceland.

The scope of the mission was increased by aerial refueling capability provided by a KC-135 Stratotanker crew deployed from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. The refueling crew enabled the fighter pilots to fly farther, faster and longer during the deployment.

However, flying farther out over the icy waters of the arctic poses a significant risk to the pilots.

To mitigate that risk, a C-130J Super Hercules Crew, deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, was on alert to transport Guardian Angels, deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan. In addition to providing a vital rescue capability, the teams accomplished more than 370 training objectives, flying 19 sorties for 42 hours, performing 32 jumps, working with the Icelandic Coast Guard and completing several cold-weather training requirements.

But none of this would have been possible without the support of the Icelandic Coast Guard.

"This is our fourth time here in three years and the ICG support gets better and better," said Lt. Col. Lendy Renegar, 48th AEG commander. "Your team continues to do great things for this mission and for NATO. Together we have protected Icelandic skies, furthered arctic rescue partnerships and become great friends."

The Icelandic Coast Guard's leadership echoed the importance of teamwork between the two partners.

"The results reflect the great cooperation between our two nations and the ability to integrate our capabilities, both military and civilian," said Jon Gundnason, Icelandic Coast Guard installation commander. "We at the Icelandic Coast Guard wish all of you a good trip back to you homes and thank you."