The US Air Force has commenced an 11-day bilateral exercise, Carpathian Summer 2016, at Otopeni Air Base in Romania to demonstrate its commitment and close cooperation with Nato partners.
More than 80 personnel from the 37th Airlift Squadron (AS) from Ramstein Air Base, Germany are taking part in the exercise.
The exercise also involves the participation of three C-130J Super Hercules, a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft that can be used for missions in the harshest environments.
To date, the C-130J has completed more than 1.2 million hours of flying combat, humanitarian, special operations, aerial refuelling, firefighting, and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions around the world.
During the off-station training, combined air operations will be conducted to enhance interoperability and readiness with Romania.
37th AS executive officer lieutenant Mark Alpert said: "We have a great relationship with the Romanians and have been working with them since 1996.
"It’s been beneficial for both of our armed forces."
The squadron will improve their training in areas such as high-quality threats, unimproved-landing zone qualifications and more.
86th Operations Support Squadron Airman 1st Class Daniel Ehrsam said: "It’s been an interesting process working in a different environment than usual.
"I think I’ve learned more about my job here and I’m excited to bring this experience with me back to Ramstein."
The 37th AS, part of the 86th Airlift Wing, conducts airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation operations.
