United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
March 4, 2014
NATO air commander visits US, Greek training operations
By Staff Sgt. Thomas Trower
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SOUDA AIR BASE, Greece: The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Air Forces Africa and Allied Air Command visited Souda Air Base, Greece, to witness multinational training between the U.S. and Hellenic air forces Feb. 28.
Gen. Frank Gorenc’s visit marked the end of flight operations for the flying training deployment.
The 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron brought F-15E Strike Eagles from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Feb. 13. The training presented an opportunity for NATO’s air component commander to speak with U.S. Airmen and the HAF’s F-16 Block 52 fighter pilots.
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The partnering is meant to allow both nations to enhance interoperability and readiness. Greece offers unrestricted, live ranges, as well as access to infrastructure and support facilities.
“Any opportunity our forces have to fly in new airspace with one of our NATO partners is unique in and of itself,” Gorenc said. “As you know, no nation can confront today’s challenges alone.”
“These training opportunities help expand relationships with key NATO allies while sustaining our readiness to be fully prepared to meet tomorrow’s threats together,” he added. “USAFE-AFAFRICA is ‘forward, ready, now,’ to provide capabilities and execute missions.”
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