C-130H3 Hercules arrive at Aviano Air Base, Italy

  • Published
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa

C-130H3 Hercules assigned to the 96th Airlift Squadron, 934th Airlift Wing, Minneapolis-St Paul Air Reserve Station, Minnesota, arrived at Aviano Air Base, Italy, as part of a Silver Arrow package to support the Immediate Response 2019 exercise.

Immediate Response is a multinational exercise, co-led by Croatian Armed Forces, Slovenian Armed Forces and U.S. Army Europe, taking place from May 10 - June 7, 2019, at various locations throughout Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia. The objectives of this exercise are to build multinational, regional, and joint readiness; enhance mil-to-mil relationships; and improve interoperability between the land forces to provide mutual assurance, deter regional aggression, and support a balanced approach to security and stability in the Balkan region.

The Silver Arrow mission provides an augmenting force to increase tactical airlift capacity to U.S. Air Forces in Europe during the period of highest demand. The program also focuses on U.S. European Command engagements that support NATO. The Silver Arrow mission contributes to improved interoperability with NATO allies and partners, and U.S. aircraft rotating into the European theater in support of persistent military airlift capabilities.

Both Immediate Response and Silver Arrow allows allies to connect – personally, professionally, technically and tactically – to create stronger, more capable forces during times of crisis. Combined training enables allies and partners to readily respond more effectively to regional crises and meet their own national defense goals.

For more information about U.S. Air Force participation in Immediate Response, contact U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs at +49 06371-47-6558 or e-mail usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.