F-15E Strike Eagles bring Castle Forge to Romania and Bulgaria

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  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa

U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft from the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, have arrived at Borcea Air Base, Romania, and Graf Ignatievo AB, Bulgaria, in support of operation Castle Forge, a U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa-led joint, multinational training event.

This forward movement furthers Castle Forge’s central objective: provide a partnership-focused environment and affirm U.S. commitment to NATO allies in the Black Sea region. The Strike Eagles will train alongside counterparts from the Romanian and Bulgarian air forces for the next several days.

The F-15s spent the last week at Larissa Air Base, Greece, integrating with F-16 aircraft from the Hellenic Air Force for a series of training sorties. Some of the Strike Eagles will remain in Greece to continue this cooperation over the coming days.

“After a solid first week training alongside the Hellenic Air Force, we’re excited to take Castle Forge to the next level with these forward movements,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA and NATO Allied Air Command. “The opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Bulgarian and Romanian allies will demonstrate our unshakeable partnerships and ability to provide unparalleled airpower in this key region.”

For more information, contact U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs at +49 06371-47-6558 or email usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.”