The US Air Force’s (USAF) 86th and 182nd Airlift Wings are participating in bilateral training with the Polish Air Force at Powdiz Air Base, Poland, focusing on maintaining joint readiness while building interoperability.
Conducted during Aviation Detachment 16-1 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, the training saw the participation of C-130s from both wings along with around 150 personnel.
Polish Air Force 33rd Air Transport Base commander colonel Mieczyslaw Gaudyn said: "It’s important for us to work together and reach a similar level of training."
"It’s also important for us to build this friendship and brotherhood, to be able to count on each other and show the world our partnership is strong."
During the training, the airmen from both the US and Polish forces completed a variety of training objectives including realistic night vision goggle training, fighter intercept training, and aircraft commander upgrade qualifications.
In addition, the Polish C-130E Legacies were able to take part in large formations with the Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-130J Super Hercules, the USAF stated.
37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules pilot captain Chris Dean said: "One of the goals of the AVDET is to be able to fly our C-130s with the Poles in a formation seamlessly.
"Flying in formation allows us to get mass on a drop zone.
"If there’s ever an exercise or operation when we need each other, we’re able to integrate and fly together."
In September, USAF deployed four F-16 Fighting Falcons, two F-22 Raptors and a C-130 Hercules to Poland for separate flying training events in a bid to demonstrate the US commitment to the collective security of Nato and the enduring peace and stability of the region.
In 2011, the US and Poland signed a memorandum of understanding to set up an Air Force aviation detachment in European country.
As a result, US military aircraft and personnel have participated in rotational deployments to Poland since 2013.
Image: A container delivery system airdrops from a C-130J Super Hercules during flying training deployment. Photo: courtesy of US Air Force photo / Senior Airman Damon Kasberg.
