ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England — A Theater Security Package comprised of A-10C Thunderbolts and Airmen from the 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., arrived at the Liberty Wing March 13 to train with NATO allies in new environments and cultures.
“Working with our NATO allies helps strengthen the bonds between us, and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to them,” said Senior Master Sgt. Nathan Kerr, TSP maintenance superintendent.
The pilots and maintenance crews from the 355th FW took part in unique training opportunities, and shared their training and knowledge with Liberty Airmen during their five-day visit.
Maj. Ben Rudolphi, TSP detachment commander, explained that the pilots trained on several different missions, to include: low altitude tactical navigation, dissimilar air combat maneuvering, helicopter escort, basic surface attack and U.K. Joint Terminal Attack Controller coordination.
As Airmen stationed in Arizona, they noted the particular challenges of working with the English weather.
“We’ve gotten to see firsthand what conditions and limitations other maintainers work through on a daily basis, and that has given us the experience to be able to do likewise,” Kerr said.
“The 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilots have spent most of their lifetime in the Barry Goldwater Ranges, [Arizona], with good weather conditions,” Rudolphi said. “Coming to Europe has tested their close-air-support abilities while working in unfamiliar airspace with foreign controllers and less-than-ideal weather. Overall, they will be more confident and capable pilots.”
Before their visit to RAF Lakenheath the A-10s were training out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, with both U.S. and German Air Forces. The Liberty Wing is just one stop of many. The 355th FW Airmen will continue to train with NATO allies across Europe, advancing their combat readiness while training in varying conditions and cultures.
“It’s been a lot of work, but also a lot of fun,” Kerr said. “We have to integrate all of our allies’ rules and regulations into our daily routines, and make the mission happen. There have been lots of learning opportunities, and we look forward to even more challenges as we continue on with our mission.”
An A-10C Thunderbolt II from the 355th Fighter Wing flies with two F-15C Eagles from the 493rd Fighter Squadron, March 13. The A-10s were deployed out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, as part of a Theater Security Package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. While visiting Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, for five days, they conducted training alongside NATO allies to strengthen interoperability and demonstrate U.S. commitment to the security and stability of Europe.
Capt. Eric Smith (left), 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron A-10C pilot, talks with Airman 1st Class Devan Trammel, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician, about the features on an A-10C Thunderbolt II on the flightline at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 19. The A-10s and 354th EFS Airmen are deployed as part of a Theater Security Package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. While at RAF Lakenheath,, the A-10 pilots gave a brief tour of the aircraft to Liberty Wing personnel.
A 355th Fighter Wing maintainer recovers an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, after a sortie March 13. The A-10s and Airmen are deployed out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, as part of a Theater Security Package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. While deployed, they have conducted training alongside NATO allies to strengthen interoperability and demonstrate U.S. commitment to the security and stability of Europe.
Two A-10C Thunderbolt IIs assigned to Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., taxi down the flightline at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 19. The A-10s and 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Airmen are deployed as part of a Theater Security Package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. While visiting RAF Lakenheath for five days, they conducted training alongside NATO allies to strengthen interoperability and demonstrate U.S. commitment to the security and stability of Europe.
Staff Sgt. Cameron Hawkes, 355th Fighter Wing avionics specialist, performs maintenance on an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 13. The A-10s and Airmen are deployed out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., as part of a Theater Security Package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. While deployed, they have conducted training alongside NATO allies to strengthen interoperability and demonstrate U.S. commitment to the security and stability of Europe.
An A-10C Thunderbolt II is prepped for flight at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 13. The A-10s and 355th Fighter Wing Airmen are deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., as part of a Theater Security Package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. While visiting RAF Lakenheath for five days, they conducted training alongside NATO allies to strengthen interoperability and demonstrate U.S. commitment to the security and stability of Europe.