POWIDZ AIR BASE, Poland -- The U.S. Air Force has forward deployed five F-22 Raptors, approximately 40 Airmen and associated equipment from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to Powidz AB, Poland, for theater familiarization and to conduct interoperability training with Polish and NATO aircraft.
The F-22s are deployed to Europe from the 95th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, and arrived in Europe on Aug. 8.
While in Poland, the Raptors will conduct a flyover at the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Polish independence and Armed Forces Day in Warsaw on Aug. 15.
This forward deployment, done with the full cooperation of our NATO ally, Poland, demonstrates U.S. Air Forces in Europe's commitment to field and operate fifth-generation aircraft in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. The deployment also underscores our commitment to the collective defense of the NATO alliance and our willingness to deploy and use our most technically advanced assets to deter any potential aggression and increase regional security.
For more information, contact U.S. Air Force in Europe - Air Forces Africa Public Affairs at +49 (0) 6371-47-6558 or by e-mail at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil. If after duty hours, please call +49 (0) 1624-25-5428 or send an e-mail to usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.