KEY FIELD, Miss. - Members of the 186th Air Refueling Wing recently participated in a multi-national training exercise combining forces from the U.S., Europe and other NATO partners.
Air Defender 2023 was a German-led, live-flying exercise, which ran June 12-23, and showcased multi-national operations and collaboration with international partners and NATO allies.
The exercise involved more than 200 aircraft, with nearly 100 coming from 44 Air National Guard units from 35 states.
Maj. Kyle Chaney, KC-135 instructor pilot with the 153rd Air Refueling Squadron, flew a Stratotanker in the exercise with a Tennessee ANG co-pilot.
Chaney's aircraft refueled F-16s from Poland and France and F-35s and F-15s from the U.S.
“It was amazing to see air forces based out of locations across Europe coming together for a common goal,” Chaney said.
The exercise demonstrated the agility/flexibility of the Air Force and partner nations in the largest AF redeployment since NATO was founded.
Exercises like Air Defender 2023 provide valuable opportunities for multiple American services to work together and integrate total force training with Air National Guard units and partner militaries to ensure effective collaboration.
“I’m proud of the positive attitude displayed by Mississippi Air Guardsmen," Col. Cindy Smith, commander of the 186th ARW, said.
They exhibited a "can-do mindset, flexibility with mission changes and a robust sense of duty,” . (186th Air Refueling Wing 07/23/23) Key Field Guardsmen participate in Air Defender 2023 | News | meridianstar.com
No comments:
Post a Comment