LASK AIR BASE, Poland -- Four U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, begun operations at Lask Air Base, Poland, today, October 3, 2023, as part of the U.S.’s continued support to safeguarding NATO’s Eastern Flank.
The aircraft replaced four F-15E Strike Eagles from the 48th Fighter Wing, based at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the U.K., to continue integration with NATO Allies. The deployment underscores the U.S.’s steadfast relationships with Allies and partners across Europe.
Operating from forward locations allows U.S. Air Force Airmen to live, train, and operate alongside European counterparts while enabling NATO’s collective defense capabilities. This capability is critical for a timely and coordinated response, if and when called upon.
Coverage of U.S. support to NATO throughout Eastern Europe is available on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/supporteuropartallies.
For media interested, please contact USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.
Editor's note: The operation location was originally reported as Powidz Air Base, Poland. This information has been updated.