NATO allies continue partnership

  • Published
  • By Capt. Denise Haeussler
  • 442d Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia --  September 4 was a media day at Amari Air Base in Estonia. Two F-22 Raptors from Tyndall Air Force Base in Fla., were escorted to landing at Amari Air Base in Estonia by two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Whiteman AFB in Mo., and a KC-135 Stratotanker from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany.  This event was part of Operation Atlantic Resolve where NATO allies are partnering to face potential future challenges.

Present at the event were Defense Prime Minister of Estonia Sven Mikser, a mix of distinguished guests, various members of the U.S., Estonian and German military, embassy workers, and media outlets from around the world.

The event symbolized the relationship and partnership of U.S. and European NATO allies working and training together, and to tell the world about it.

"The sound of the aircraft flying around is the sound of freedom for Estonia," said Mikser. "We are happy our allies are here."

Col. Jaak Tarien, commander of the Estonian Air Force, spoke of a recent conversation he had with an Estonian woman now in her eighties. The woman told him a story of when she was 11 years old and the first time she heard planes flying overhead in Estonia, it meant something bad.  The bad continued up to, including and after World War II until the 1990s when Estonia became a free and independent country.  The woman told him now when she hears the sounds of planes flying, it means a good thing.

"We appreciate the support of all of our NATO allies here today," said Tarien. "They are standing behind us when we need support and it's a great feeling."

"It is an honor to be here representing the F-22," said Lt. Col. Daniel Lehoski, 95th Fighter Squadron Commander, Tyndall AFB, Fla. "This deployment is the perfect opportunity to train with other U.S. forces, our partners and NATO allies."

Col. James Macaulay, Operations Group Commander of the 442d Fighter Wing, home to the A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, said once again, "We always have your back as one of our allies."