As part of a Theater Security Package (TSP) funded through the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI),the US Air Force has deployed a squadron of F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters to Aviano Air Base,Italy.In a news release by US Air Force Europe,it was explained that:
the TSP provides a more robust U.S. military rotational presence in the European theater capable of deterring adversaries and assuring partners and U.S. allies of U.S. commitment to regional security.*
Drawn from the 388th (active duty) and 419th (Reserve) Fighter Wings out of Hill Air Force Base,Utah,the deployed aircraft arrived in Italy on 24 May 2019 and will stay for several weeks.Along with their associated Airmen and equipment,the F-35s will participate in training and exercises with other Europe-based aircraft.The 388th is on its second deployment to Europe,the first one having been to RAF Lakenheath,England in 2017;while the 419th,the newest F-35A squadron,is on its maiden deployment.
According to MAJ James Russell,F-35 pilot with the 419th FW:
It's a great honour to be part of another milestone for Hill and the F-35 community.Locally,this effort is a demonstration of our Total Force integration construct hard at work between the 388th and 419th FWs.On a larger scale,it's a great opportunity to showcase our newest fighter platform to our partner nations and assure those nations of our continued support for their safety and security.*
The purpose of the EDI,as stated in the Pentagon's FY 2019 budget request for the programme,is:
1.Continue to enhance our deterrent and defense posture throughout the theater by positioning the right capabilities,in key locations,in order to respond to adversarial threats in a timely manner.
2.Assure our NATO allies and partners of the United States' commitment to Article 5 and the territorial integrity of all 28 (now 29,with Montenegro's accession) NATO nations.
3.Increase the capability and readiness of U.S. Forces,NATO Allies,and regional partners,allowing for a faster response in the event of any aggression by a regional adversary against the sovereign territory of NATO nations.*
The EDI was established as the European Reassurance Initiative in 2014,soon after Russia's annexation of Crimea,Ukraine.
Showing posts with label Hill Air Force Base. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hill Air Force Base. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Strengthening NATO:US Air Force Sends F-35s to Europe
On 15 April 2017,US Air Force F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters deployed to Europe for the first time,landing at RAF Lakenheath,England,US European Command announced.According to General Curtis M. Scaparrotti,US Army,EUCOM commander and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe:
These aircraft,plus more importantly,the men and women who operate them,fortifies the capacity and capability of our NATO Alliance.*
The warplanes are from the 358th and 419th Fighter Wings out of Hill Air Force Base,Utah.They will train with America's European Allies over a period of several weeks,including forward deployment to maximise training opportunities;strengthen the NATO Alliance;and gain a broad familiarity of Europe's defence operating conditions,EUCOM said.Air Force General Tod D. Wolters,commander,US Air Forces Europe and US Air Forces Africa,added:
As we and our joint F-35 partners bring this aircraft into our inventories,it's important that we train together to integrate into a seamless team capable of defending the sovereignty of Allied nations.
EUCOM cited the F-35's state-of-the-art sensors;interoperability;and vast array of advanced air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions as assets that will help maintain the fundamental territorial and air sovereignty rights of all nations.The Lightning II has unprecedented precision attack capability versus current and emerging threats with unmatched lethality,survivability and interoperability,EUCOM pointed out.*
This F-35A mission is part of the Pentagon's European Reassurance Initiative,which was enacted following Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for rebels in Eastern Ukraine.The Initiative is meant to increase the confidence of the NATO Allies in America's commitment to help defend them and deter Russian aggression.*
The number of F-35As involved in the deployment has not been disclosed.Hill AFB has a total of 20 F-35s,which is planned to climb to 78 by 2019.Colonel David Smith,419th Fighter Wing commander,noted that:
This aircraft can collect all kinds of information;give it to the pilot;and we can share that information with our partners.*
Lockheed Martin is prime contractor for the F-35 Lightning II.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
These aircraft,plus more importantly,the men and women who operate them,fortifies the capacity and capability of our NATO Alliance.*
The warplanes are from the 358th and 419th Fighter Wings out of Hill Air Force Base,Utah.They will train with America's European Allies over a period of several weeks,including forward deployment to maximise training opportunities;strengthen the NATO Alliance;and gain a broad familiarity of Europe's defence operating conditions,EUCOM said.Air Force General Tod D. Wolters,commander,US Air Forces Europe and US Air Forces Africa,added:
As we and our joint F-35 partners bring this aircraft into our inventories,it's important that we train together to integrate into a seamless team capable of defending the sovereignty of Allied nations.
EUCOM cited the F-35's state-of-the-art sensors;interoperability;and vast array of advanced air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions as assets that will help maintain the fundamental territorial and air sovereignty rights of all nations.The Lightning II has unprecedented precision attack capability versus current and emerging threats with unmatched lethality,survivability and interoperability,EUCOM pointed out.*
This F-35A mission is part of the Pentagon's European Reassurance Initiative,which was enacted following Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for rebels in Eastern Ukraine.The Initiative is meant to increase the confidence of the NATO Allies in America's commitment to help defend them and deter Russian aggression.*
The number of F-35As involved in the deployment has not been disclosed.Hill AFB has a total of 20 F-35s,which is planned to climb to 78 by 2019.Colonel David Smith,419th Fighter Wing commander,noted that:
This aircraft can collect all kinds of information;give it to the pilot;and we can share that information with our partners.*
Lockheed Martin is prime contractor for the F-35 Lightning II.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)