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World Defense & Security News - United States
 
 
USAF deployed A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in Germany to support Operation Atlantic Resolve
 

The United States Air Force deployed 12 A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft as part of a Theater Security Package (TSP) in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, announced yesterday, February 10, the United States European Command.

     
The United States Air Force deployed 12 A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft as part of a Theater Security Package (TSP) in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, announced yesterday, February 10, the United States European Command.
A Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II close air support jet aircraft of the USAF 355th Fighter Wing
     
Approximately 300 Airmen and support equipment are deploying with the A-10s from the USAF 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.

While in Germany these aircraft will forward-deploy to locations in Eastern European NATO nations. "Units will conduct training alongside our NATO allies to strengthen interoperability and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the security and stability of Europe," said U.S. Navy CAPT Greg Hicks, U.S. European Command spokesman.

The aircraft and Airmen, from the 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., and are set to be in place and fulfilling the TSP mission by the end of the month.

The TSPs will augment U.S. Air Forces in Europe's existing efforts as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve by conducting flying training deployments and off-station training with NATO allies to further enhance interoperability.

Operation Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of U.S. European Command and United States Air Forces in Europe's continued commitment to the collective security of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and dedication to the enduring peace and stability in the region.

"The Air Force has been rotating forces as a part of OAR for the past year," said Lt. Gen. Tom Jones, vice commander, United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa. "The TSP is another way the Air Force is increasing rotational presence in Europe to reassure our allies and partner nations that our commitment to European security is a priority."

While in Germany, the unit will conduct training alongside NATO allies with the goal of strengthening interoperability and enhancing regional security. The unit will later forward deploy to locations in Eastern European NATO nations.

"The U.S. Air Force's forward presence in Europe area provides the support infrastructure needed to increase our current force and build new and deeper partnerships across the continent," said Jones.

The A-10s are the first of several TSP deployments to Europe. Rotations will generally last six months, depending on mission and U.S. European Command requirements. Although a first in Europe, the Air Force has been conducting similar TSP rotations in the Pacific region since 2004.