STUTTGART, Germany -- U.S. bombers are set to deploy to Norway for the first time. In preparation for that deployment, U.S. Air Force personnel from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrived today at Orland Air Base, Norway. The Airmen are part of the advance team for scheduled missions that will execute in the coming weeks for a limited time.
Training for the U.S. Air Force personnel will include a variety of areas ranging from operating in the high north to improving interoperability with allies and partners across the European theater.
"Operational readiness and our ability to support allies and partners and respond with speed is critical to combined success," said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa commander. "We value the enduring partnership we have with Norway and look forward to future opportunities to bolster our collective defense."
In keeping with force health protection measures aligned with the Department of Defense, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Norwegian policy, all U.S. Air Force personnel will immediately enter a ten-day COVID-19 Restriction of Movement. All personnel were medically screened prior to arriving in Norway.
While details of specific missions and the number of aircraft are not discussed before execution as part of routine operational security standards, USAFE routinely hosts a variety of U.S. aircraft and units across the theater in support of USEUCOM objectives.