The US Air Force (USAF) has deployed twelve A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and around 350 airmen to Amari Air Base, Estonia, in a bid to support Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR).
The aircraft and troops assigned to the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron were deployed form the 23d Wing out of Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.
Part of a theatre security package deployment, this new development is aimed to carry out training with Nato allies.
74th EFS commander lieutenant colonel Bryan France said: "This deployment represents something greater than just Moody.
"It is an opportunity for us to represent not only Moody, but the USAF, and it’s a chance to come together and work with our Nato partners to strengthen our alliances."
The latest mission marks first such deployment for the A-10 Thunderbolts based in Moody AF Base.
The six-month deployment will see EFS airmen participating in several exercises and training events with Nato allies and European partners in addition to routine flying training.
France added: "It’s really a synergistic relationship that we gain when we are able to operate out of an airfield in a foreign country with our allies.
"We will be able to brief, execute, debrief together and learn those lessons and turn around and reapply them the next day."
Recently, the USAF deployed four F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft and support personnel to Kecskemet, Hungary, as part of the European theatre security package.
The aircraft, which were forward deployed in support of OAR, will train and test their ability to operate out of Kecskemet Air Base.
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.
Image: Two USAF A-10C Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 74th EFS taxi down the runway after landing at Amari Air Base, Estonia. Photo: courtesy of U.S. Air Force photo by Andrea Jenkins/Released.
