U.S. Air Forces in Europe
U.S. Air Forces Africa
June 9, 2014
Icelandic Air Policing rotation ends
By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Wilson
48th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KEFLAVIK, Iceland: At 6:00 a.m. June 5, the U.S. Air Force’s responsibility ended for the spring rotation of the NATO mission for Icelandic Air Policing at Keflivik International Airport, Iceland.
For the past month, about 200 Airmen, from seven bases throughout the European and Pacific areas of operation, deployed with the 48th Air Expeditionary Group, have fulfilled the commitment to maintain air sovereignty over Iceland’s land and sea.
During the deployment, F-15C Eagles, deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, flew 60 sorties and more than 125 hours, accomplishing numerous training objectives while maintaining preparedness to intercept airborne threats over Iceland.
The scope of the mission was increased by aerial refueling capability provided by a KC-135 Stratotanker crew deployed from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. The refueling crew enabled the fighter pilots to fly farther, faster and longer during the deployment.
However, flying farther out over the icy waters of the arctic poses a significant risk to the pilots.
To mitigate that risk, a C-130J Super Hercules Crew, deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, was on alert to transport Guardian Angels, deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan. In addition to providing a vital rescue capability, the teams accomplished more than 370 training objectives, flying 19 sorties for 42 hours, performing 32 jumps, working with the Icelandic Coast Guard and completing several cold-weather training requirements.
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