Airmen arrive to train with European allies

  • Published
  • By Capt. Denise Haeussler
  • 442d Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia --  Total Force Integration is at the next level.

Approximately 200 Reservists, Air National Guard and active duty Airmen with eight A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, landed at Amari Air Base, Estonia Aug. 22.  The A-10s from the 303d Fighter Squadron, which falls under the 442d Fighter Wing, are here on a four week flying training deployment as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

OAR is America's commitment to European security. The U.S. is demonstrating its continued commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America's dedication to ensuring peace and stability in the region.

"I'm looking forward to training with our NATO allies," said Lt. Col. Bryan Stone, a 442d Fighter Wing A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, and detachment commander. "This is a great opportunity for all involved to work together and learn from each other."

Along with the aircrew, other moving parts of the 442d FW are maintenance, air and ground safety, public affairs, logistics, security forces and medical personnel.

"It's great to be here for my first TDY with the 442d FW," said Staff Sgt. Laura Hunkins, an A-10 Thunderbolt II crew chief. "The host nation has been awesome to us.  Anytime we've had issues, everyone works together to get the problem solved."

Over the next weeks, the 442d FW will be working and training with ANG Joint Terminal Attack Controllers as well as the Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian armed forces in various scenarios, and low level, close air support flying activities.