U.S. Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces Africa
Published September 18, 2020
Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, arrive in preparation for exercise Thracian Viper 20, at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, Sept. 18, 2020. Thracian Viper 20 is a multilateral training exercise, which allows both U.S. Air Force Airmen and Bulgarian forces to extend joint warfighting capability through operational and tactical training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ericka A. Woolever)
Three U.S. Air Force pilots from the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, perform post-flight checks after landing at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, Sept. 18, 2020. The pilots will participate in Thracian Viper 20, a multilateral training exercise, which allows both U.S. Air Force Airmen and Bulgarian forces to extend joint warfighting capability through operational and tactical training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ericka A. Woolever)
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, lands on Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, during exercise Thracian Viper 20, Sept. 18, 2020. Thracian Viper 20 enhances successful partnering activities, which result in progressive relationships and lead to tangible, mutual benefits during peacetime, contingencies and crisis, through actions such as regional security, access and coalition operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ericka A. Woolever)
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, lands on Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, during exercise Thracian Viper 20, Sept. 18, 2020. Thracian Viper 20 is a multilateral training exercise with the Bulgarian air force, aimed to increase operational capacity, capability and interoperability with Bulgaria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ericka A. Woolever)
F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and Airmen assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, and Airmen assigned to the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein AB, Germany, will participate in Thracian Viper, a multilateral training exercise with the Bulgarian air force at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria.
During the exercise, U.S. and Bulgarian air forces will conduct training enhancing our ability to rapidly deploy to remote locations and take command and control of the region. In addition, Greek and Romanian air forces will also participate.
Participation in multinational exercises enhances our professional relationships and improves overall coordination with allies and partner militaries during times of crisis.