144th FW deploys F-15C Eagle fighters to Ukraine for the first time

144th FW deploys F-15C Eagle fighters to Ukraine for the first time

By Dario Leone
Oct 9 2018
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The F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft have been deployed to Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, to participate in exercise Clear Sky 2018

On Oct. 6, 2018 F-15C fighters from the California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing (FW) landed for the first time ever today on Ukrainian soil.

The Eagles in fact have been deployed to Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, to participate in exercise Clear Sky 2018 a joint and multinational exercise that will involve personnel from nine nations, including Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.144th FW deploys F-15C Eagle fighters to Ukraine for the first time

Additionally, a C-130J Super Hercules from the 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., has arrived at Vinnytsia AB, Ukraine, to participate in the exercise.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of collaboration between the California Air National Guard and Ukraine as part of U.S. European Command’s State Partnership Program, and the exercise will include robust participation of California ANG units.

144th FW deploys F-15C Eagle fighters to Ukraine for the first time

This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. F-15C Eagle 144th Fighter Wing, 194th Fighter Squadron, CA/80-004 – California Air National Guard – Fresno ANG Base, CA – 2016

Training will focus on air sovereignty, air interdiction, air-to-ground integration, air mobility operations, aeromedical evacuation, cyber defense, and personnel recovery.

This exercise aims to enhance regional capabilities to secure air sovereignty and promote peace and security through cooperation, collaboration and interoperability with NATO partners and other allies in the region.144th FW deploys F-15C Eagle fighters to Ukraine for the first time

The 144th FW is a unit of the California Air National Guard (CANG), based at Fresno Air National Guard Base, California. As part of the Air Reserve Component of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), the wing is operationally gained by the Air Combat Command (ACC).

144th FW’s primary mission is to provide air defense protection for California and the U.S. from the Mexican border to Oregon utilizing the F-15 Eagle jet fighter aircraft. The unit also supports the nation’s Counter Drug Program and responds to state emergencies when requested by the Governor of California.144th FW deploys F-15C Eagle fighters to Ukraine for the first time

Photo credit: U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn

Artwork courtesy of AircraftProfilePrints.com


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Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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