The US Air Force (USAF) has deployed four F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft and support personnel to Kecskemet, Hungary, as part of the European theatre security package.
Assigned to the 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, the four aircraft were forward deployed in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve to train and test their ability to operate out of Kecskemet Air Base.
123rd EFS F-15 pilot captain Aaron Lamont said: "Overall, establishing the relationship with us being here and being able to communicate with them and integrate our training together solidifies our relationship with our Nato allies and makes it a lot easier for us to do this in the future.
Operation Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of continued US commitment to the collective security of Nato and to enduring peace and stability in the region, in the wake of Russia’s role in the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
The latest development marks the first deployment to Hungary for the mission, and also the first Guard TSP.
According to 123rd EFS director of operations lieutenant colonel David Christensen, the Air Force integrated with host nation partners as part of the mission.
Christensen said: "Improving interoperability between countries is always important, especially if we have to work together in some kind of future conflict.
"Everybody is more comfortable with who they are working with and understands what’s going on so we can better improve our warfighting."
In August, the USAF deployed eight A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and around 170 airmen to Ämari Air Base, Estonia, as part of the country’s effort to support Operation Atlantic Resolve.
Image: A crew chief from the 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron marshals an F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft at Kecskemet Air Base, Hungary. Photo: courtesy of U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad Warren.
