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NATO Air Policing operations — U.S. Air Force News

Sept. 19, 2023
Pacific Angel 23-3 concludes in Brunei

Pacific Angel 23-3 Brunei wrapped up at Rimba Air Force Base, Sept.15, after four days of multiple search and rescue and Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response training operations.
Sept. 12, 2023
US Air Force, RAF leaders sign Combined Vision Statement on Agile Combat Employment

U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force leaders committed to future collaboration on Agile Combat Employment as they signed a Combined Vision Statement Sept. 12, 2023.
Sept. 11, 2023
Kendall outlines China threat in stark detail, offers blueprint for effective response

Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall presented a detailed tutorial Sept. 11 for why the Air Force and Space Force must modernize and adapt quickly to ensure the nation’s security and interests are protected.
Aug. 15, 2023
US B-2 Spirits deploy to Keflavik AB for BTF 23-4

This BTF initiative was designed to bolster USEUCOM’s overarching security mandates across the European continent while also affording aircrews the opportunity to acclimate themselves to the intricacies of joint and coalition operations in foreign locations.
July 26, 2023
Kadena AB aces dispersed operations during Northern Edge 23-2

U.S. service members integrated with Japan Self-Defense Forces, French air and space forces and other allies and partners to enhance Agile Combat Employment capabilities from dispersed locations during Northern Edge 23-2, July 2-21.
July 21, 2023
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
July 12, 2023
B-52 Stratofortresses return to Indo-Pacific for BTF missions

Bomber Task Force missions demonstrates the credibility of U.S. forces to address global security environments that are more diverse and uncertain than ever before.
July 5, 2023
AMC, allies kickoff Mobility Guardian 23 in Indo-Pacific

Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023, Air Mobility Command’s largest full-spectrum readiness exercise in the command’s history, began July 5 in the Indo-Pacific region.
June 26, 2023
Remembering the epic triumph of the Berlin Airlift: Secretary Kendall, Airlift participants recognize 75th anniversary of greatest humanitarian airlift in history

June 26 marks the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.
June 13, 2023
128th ARW provides air bridge in support of Air Defender 2023

The 128th ARW KC-135 Stratotankers acted as a flying gas station, using a boom system to transfer fuel to the receiving aircraft, maximizing operational efficiency and reducing transit times.
June 11, 2023
24 nations unite at Military Nursing Exchange to enhance USAFE-AFAFRICA partnerships, readiness

The conference featured talks from various international medical professionals, centered on this year’s theme, ‘Military Medics: Optimizing Partnerships and Readiness.’
May 13, 2023
AOC FTU augments Austere Challenge 2023

The exercise brought together military and civilian personnel from EUCOM forces and its components to contribute virtually across Europe in the weeklong command post exercise simulating coordinating a response to a fictional major crisis.
April 15, 2023
Sheppard AFB ‘elephant walk’ asserts training’s role in airpower

Four thousand Airmen and 90 aircraft participate in a one-of-a-kind elephant walk at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, April 7.
April 10, 2023
Israeli Air Force F-35s participate in Red Flag for first time

The Israeli Air Force returned to Nellis Air Force Base to participate in Red Flag 23-2, this time with its F-35I Adir.
March 30, 2023
F-35s arrive at Kadena AB to maintain advanced fighter presence

While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the F-35s will work in conjunction with other fighter units at Kadena AB to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region.
March 29, 2023
US, Thailand, Singapore air forces participate in Exercise Cope Tiger 23

Airmen from the United States, Thailand and Singapore visited a local school as part of a combined civic action engagement during Exercise Cope Tiger 23, March 23.
Feb. 28, 2023
US Department of Defense delivers field hospital to Türkiye

U.S. Naval Forces Europe, in coordination with U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command facilitated the delivery of the Defense Department provided field hospital.
Jan. 13, 2023
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Dec. 16, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Dec. 13, 2022
Cotton takes command of USSTRATCOM

Gen. Anthony J. Cotton becomes USSTRATCOM's eighth commander, highlighting the enduring stability of the nation's strategic enterprise during a time of increased global pressure and reliance on a safe, reliable, and effective nuclear deterrent.
Nov. 30, 2022
555th Fighter Squadron participates in multigenerational airpower exercise Falcon Strike 22

Falcon Strike 22 was designed to test and improve the ability of NATO nations to conduct multinational offensive and defensive air operations that integrate fourth and fifth-generation airpower.
Nov. 14, 2022
AFSOC conducts live-fire exercise with Rapid Dragon

During SOCEUR exercise ATREUS 22-4, two MC-130J Commando IIs assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing flew the Rapid Dragon package to a Royal Norwegian Air Force training range and deployed it over the Atlantic Ocean.
Oct. 28, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Sept. 22, 2022
Air Force announces hypersonic missile contract award

The Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile is an air-launched, scramjet-powered hypersonic weapon designed to hold high-value targets at risk in contested environments from standoff distances.
Sept. 22, 2022
AF hosts International Air Chiefs Conference

The gathering exemplified the Air Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with allies and partners through meaningful conversation and information exchange.
Sept. 20, 2022
AFCENT commander conducts first round of regional partner engagements

Building relationships within the force and with allies and partners, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, travelled across the USCENTCOM AOR to meet with U.S. embassy, coalition, regional, and U.S. military leaders.
Aug. 30, 2022
One year later, historic Afghan airlift inspires pride and reflection across the Air Force

The efforts of the U.S. Air Force during the withdrawal from Afghanistan creates a portrait that is remarkable in its scope, reach and complexity.
Aug. 29, 2022
The National Guard: Truly at the heart of it all

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. spoke with National Guard leaders and discussed how the service is transforming.
Aug. 15, 2022
In assessing his first year, Kendall sees achievement but many challenges ahead

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall reflects on his first year on the job.
Aug. 12, 2022
CSAF visits Kadena Air Base

At an all-call with Kadena AB personnel, Brown stressed the importance of empowering Airmen at all levels to deliver innovative solutions to keep pace with the complex operational and strategic challenges that shape U.S. military operations in this region.
Aug. 9, 2022
SELIS 22: CMSAF hosts largest international DAF engagement

The five-day summit focused on “Winning the High-End Fight,” providing senior enlisted leaders an opportunity to build and maintain relationships, secure common interests, promote shared values, and deter current and potential threats by demonstrating the strength of global military partnerships.
Aug. 9, 2022
COMUSAFE welcomes F-22s to Poland

As part of NATO’s plan to bolster its collective defense posture, the 90th FS will take over the mission from the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing, which has been executing the coalition’s Air Policing mission since their arrival in theater, May 2.
July 20, 2022
US Air and Space Forces senior leaders emphasize need for strong alliances and ‘interoperability’ on European tour

The senior-most civilian and military leaders of the Air and Space Forces crisscrossed Europe the week of July 10 carrying separate itineraries but a singular message - the importance of tight relationships with allies and partners, and the need to forge seamless "day-zero interoperability" that is
July 15, 2022
The ‘Future Fight’ is here: Red Flag-Nellis 22-3

More than 20 units and approximately 2,300 participants arrived at Nellis Air Force Base to take part in the final Red Flag of 2022. Greeting them were the pilots of the newly re-activated 65th Aggressor Squadron, and the 57th Operations Group’s dedicated multi-domain aggressor force.
July 15, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
July 12, 2022
Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s travel to Germany

Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Germany to deepen the U.S. Air Force partnership with the German Air Force.
June 24, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
June 17, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
June 10, 2022
Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s travel to Canada

During the visit, Brown engaged in staff talks with Royal Canadian Air Force senior leaders, and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial.
June 8, 2022
US, Thailand sign landmark information exchange agreement

Titled "Remote Sensing for Base Perimeter Defense," it is the first International Armaments Cooperation collaboration between the U.S. Department of Defense and Thai Ministry of Defence.
May 25, 2022
CSAF hosts Indonesian counterpart visit

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., hosted Indonesian Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo for an official counterpart visit May 16-20.
May 20, 2022
Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s counterpart visit with Indonesian Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. hosted Indonesian Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo for an official counterpart visit May 19 to affirm the strong and enduring U.S.-Indonesia strategic partnership.
May 18, 2022
Tyndall AFB hosts WESP-East 22-8

WSEP is the Air Force’s joint program to test air-to-air and air-to-ground live-fire weapons. It offers pilots the opportunity to fire live missiles while providing the ground crew with experience handling live munitions.
May 16, 2022
Rescue Babushka Luba; Travis Airman evacuates mother from Ukraine to US

After the opposition to Ukraine turned its focus to Kyiv, an Airman from Travis Air Force Base’s David Grant Medical Center sprang into action to ensure her mother, Luba, would be safe and as far away from the fight as possible. On March 8, Luba reluctantly agreed to move out of Ukraine.
March 25, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
March 18, 2022
Swedish Air Bosses participate in Red Flag-Nellis 22-2, exchange information

The Swedish Air Force provided a vital role to the 414th Combat Training Squadron’s Red Flag-Nellis 22-2 with two air bosses. The two worked side-by-side with Airmen to coordinate command and control capabilities to air and ground units during the entirety of the exercise.
Feb. 11, 2022
US Air Force B-52s arrive at RAF Fairford for BTF Europe 22-2

Occurring since 2018, bomber rotations through Europe maintain readiness to execute a wide variety of missions across two continents, sustaining peace through deterrence.
Feb. 4, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 1, 2022
32 African Air Chiefs, representatives attend 11th African Air Chiefs Symposium

During the symposium, key challenges confronting African Air Chiefs were identified, partner networks were strengthened and discussions involving strategic airlift and shared best practices for enhancing partner capability were addressed.
Jan. 26, 2022
Bilateral exercise Southern Beach reinforces USAF, JASDF alliance in the new year

Participants conducted exercise Southern Beach planning virtually in order to integrate effectively and safely during the operation.
Jan. 8, 2022
US F-16s strengthen air policing mission with long-planned Poland deployment

The Belgian, Polish and U.S. fighters will practice advanced airborne maneuvers and work closely with Combined Air Operations Centre Uedem (CAOCUE) to enhance command and control procedures.
Jan. 5, 2022
CMSAF Bass visits West Africa

The U.S. has two cooperative security locations in Niger; Air Base 101, Niamey and Air Base 201, Agaedez. During her three-day visit, Bass met with U.S. Airmen and joint force mission partners to gain first-hand knowledge of how Airmen deter and defeat violent extremism in Sahel to enable a more
Nov. 20, 2021
Air Force Medical Service demonstrates reliable trifecta supporting patients, nation, world

Whether working behind the glass barrier of the pharmacy, the private room of the mental health clinic, or in the lab, medics take care of the vital mission of keeping beneficiaries healthy and service members ready. However, there is much more Air Force medics do.
Nov. 1, 2021
Southern Beach boosts lethality, strengthens partnerships

Exercise Southern Beach primarily focused on offensive and defensive counter air operations, personnel rescue and airdrop missions. This was the first time since the inception of Southern Beach in which the majority of the mission sets and a Japan-U.S. training program were conducted during night
Oct. 21, 2021
NH Guard announces state partnership with Cabo Verde

Under the auspices of the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program (SPP), New Hampshire was chosen after a months-long, highly competitive selection process involving several other states.
Oct. 14, 2021
Spangdahlem refuels BTF bombers with VIPER kit for first time

Spangdahlem AB employed the VIPER kit by refueling B-1s participating in Bomber Task Force - Europe 22-1, following NATO allied integration during an operation in the Baltic Region. This marks the first time the refueling system was used outside of F-16 Fighting Falcons in the U.S. Air Forces in
Sept. 14, 2021
Directorate leads KC-135 upgrade for Turkish Air Force

The upgrade, termed “Block 45,” completely remodeled the inside of the Turkish KC-135R Stratotanker’s flight deck, with new liquid crystal displays, radio altimeter, computer module updates, autopilot, and a digital flight director, replacing approximately 63 parts to include analog instruments
Sept. 9, 2021
Partner nations share strengths, capabilities during PACS-21

Gen. Ken Wilsbach, PACAF commander, hosted the Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium 2021, which was attended by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and air chiefs from 14 other nations. This year’s theme, “Enduring cooperation toward regional stability,” focused on ensuring a mutual understanding
July 7, 2021
CSAF commemorates victory at Yorktown with French allies

During the ceremony, a wreath was placed at the memorial commemorating the final turning point in America’s war independence.
May 31, 2021
US, NATO aircraft integrate, fly over all 30 NATO nations

Operation Allied Sky demonstrates a shared commitment to NATO solidarity, enhances readiness and provides training opportunities aimed at enhancing interoperability for all participating aircrews from the U.S. and NATO allies.
May 18, 2021
Air Force opens new F-16 production line for foreign military sales

To support the growing demand for new F-16 Fighting Falcon from partner nations, the U.S. Air Force has teamed with Lockheed Martin Corp. to open a new production line to build the F-16 Block 70/72 fighter aircraft at the company’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina.
March 25, 2021
B-2 Spirit integrates with NATO ally at Lajes Field

Bomber Task Force missions are critical to ensuring Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen are capable of executing operations at the direction of the national command authority. By training in Europe, aircrew and Airmen are familiarizing themselves with the European theater and airspace, to enhance
March 12, 2021
US, Japan conduct historic airborne operation

The 374th Airlift Wing supported the JGSDF, 1st Airborne Brigade, for the largest static-line personnel jump and cargo drop between the U.S. and Japan, for exercise Airborne 21, March 9 to 11.
Feb. 24, 2021
Dyess AFB Airmen, B-1Bs deploy to Norway

Strategic bomber missions provide theater familiarization for aircrew members and opportunities for U.S. integration with NATO allies and regional partners.
Oct. 16, 2020
SATURN radio connects U.S. forces to allies

To improve communication with allies, the Air-to-Ground, Tactical Data Links team, headquartered at Hanscom Air Force Base, has been working to provide the Department of Defense with an anti-jam, hack-proof, and high-frequency radio system.
May 21, 2020
Ellsworth AFB B-1s integrate with allies, partners in Nordic region

The nonstop mission to the Nordic region – made possible with support from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, and a Dutch KDC-10 from the 334th Squadron, Royal Netherlands Air Force’s Eindhoven Air Base, Netherlands – spanned more than 23 hours.
Dec. 16, 2019
Symposium hosts unprecedented number of air chiefs from across the Indo-Pacific

The theme of PACS 19, “A Collaborative Approach to Regional Security,” focused on building mutual understanding of varied regional perspectives through bilateral engagements and multinational panels and meetings.
Nov. 13, 2019
South American Air Chiefs, Senior Enlisted Leader Conference builds partnerships

This year’s conference aimed to build cooperation as a strategy towards progress. The conference provided a venue for partner nations and the U.S. to build personal relationships between the air forces as a foundation for future endeavors while discussing capabilities and issues of each nation’s air
Oct. 16, 2019
ENJJPT molds international guardians of freedom

Since 1981, the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program has played a significant role in NATO-wide pilot production. Comprised of 14 signatory nations, 13 of which are currently participating, it is one of four undergraduate pilot training programs in the Air Force.
Oct. 11, 2019
Goldfein praises US, British partnership and the shared connection to the ‘future fight’

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein told a group of senior British military officials, including Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, that success in “the future fight” relies on data, networks and the ability to link systems of allies and partners, Oct. 10.
Sept. 13, 2019
Mountain Home AFB Airmen train Chilean airmen, strengthen strategic relationships

Tech. Sgt. Ian Messer and Tech. Sgt. Edgar Ayala, both 366th Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion craftsmen at Mountain Home Air Force Base, recently spent a month-long temporary duty at Cerro Moreno Air Base in Antofagasta, Chile. Their mission was to train the Chilean airmen to save money,
July 30, 2019
Goldfein’s 10-day trip across northern Europe focuses on partners and ‘great power’ realities

But there also was an unmistakable subtext connecting the stops in Estonia, Finland, Great Britain, Germany and Greenland. The thread was this: each country has valuable experience and insights for operating effectively in an age of great power competition. That reality can help the United States
April 25, 2019
BLUE: Stronger Together

Through relationships, international affairs leaders build partnerships, strengthen capabilities, and develop partner Airmen. Every day the U.S. works to build partnerships and strengthen alliances around the world to maintain regional and global stability.
March 30, 2019
RAF partners with PTN to innovate pilot training pipeline

It’s been said that “seeing is believing” and after a visit last May to the Pilot Training Next facility in Austin and facing a pilot shortage, the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force is taking innovation to the next level with the inclusion of a student and an instructor pilot in the second iteration
March 20, 2019
Bombers fly coordinated missions from Indo-Pacific, Europe

B-52H Stratofortress bombers launched from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam and RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, March 18, to conduct simultaneous theater familiarization training in the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
Dec. 18, 2018
Santa, Elves jump for Operation Toy Drop 2018

Santa Claus and his elves delivered toys to children via military freefall and static-line jumps as part of the 7th annual Operation Toy Drop event on Alzey Drop Zone, Germany Dec. 11-13, 2018.
Nov. 24, 2018
493rd FS trains during Tactical Leadership Programme 18-4

F-15C Eagles and an F-15D assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron and support personnel from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, U.K., are participating in the NATO Tactical Leadership Programme 18-4 at Amendola Air Base, Italy.
Oct. 4, 2018
US, Montenegro conduct groundbreaking cyber defense cooperation

U.S. service members worked alongside cyber defenders within the Government of Montenegro over the past few weeks to build cyber defense capabilities.
April 18, 2018
Air Force opens space training to allies, accelerates Space Acquisition

Citing the National Defense Strategy, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson announced that beginning in 2019 the Air Force is opening its space training to allies during her keynote speech at the 34th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. April 17, 2018.
Jan. 24, 2018
International health specialists employ unique skills to build medical capabilities with partner nations

Healthcare is a critical avenue to strengthen partnerships with U.S. allies around the globe. The Air Force International Health Specialist program takes highly trained Air Force health personnel with unique skill sets, and puts them in Global Health Engagements around the world. There, they share
Nov. 9, 2017
Wilson, Goldfein emphasize need for FY18 budget in State of the Air Force address

The Air Force must have a higher and more stable budget to provide security for the nation, said Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein during the State of the Air Force address Nov. 9, 2017, at the Pentagon.
Sept. 8, 2017
AF senior leaders visit Arctic

Air Force senior leaders from Headquarters Air Force and major commands visited multiple locations in the Arctic region Sept. 7-13, 2017, to better understand the challenges of operating in the region.
June 6, 2017
USSTRATCOM, German air force sign liaison officer agreement

U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) and the German air force (Luftwaffe) signed a memorandum of agreement June 1, 2017, to assign a German liaison officer (LNO) to Joint Functional Component Command for Space.
June 6, 2017
815th Airlift Squadron drops paratroopers to commemorate D-Day 73

Two 815th Airlift Squadron crews from Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi participated in a six-ship multinational airborne mission near here in the Normandy region June 4, 2017 to commemorate D-Day 73.
June 1, 2017
Strategic bombers, Airmen deploy to United Kingdom

B-52H Stratofortresses from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and about 800 Airmen from Air Force Global Strike Command deployed to Royal Air Force Fairford to support a number of exercises with joint partners, and U.K. and NATO allies.
April 25, 2017
F-35As deploy to Estonia for the first time

Two F-35A Lightning II aircraft and about 20 supporting Airmen arrived at Ämari Air Base April 25, 2017, from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. The F-35As are participating in their first training deployment to Europe. The aircraft and total force Airmen are from the 34th Fighter Squadron and the
Sept. 22, 2016
One bird, two stones

Airmen from the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the South Korean air force simultaneously trained for separate missions over the Pacific Ocean Sept. 12 and were assisted by a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from Kadena Air Base, Japan.

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