This Swedish-led exercise increases interoperability and enhances the US forces ability to respond to threats in the Baltic Sea region alongside Swedish partners.
Taken on Nov. 14, 2020 the cool photo in this post shows 48th Fighter Wing’s F-15Es, Swedish Air Force JAS-39 Gripens, Air Force Special Operations Command CV-22Bs, and MC-130Js flying over Gotland Island during a joint exercise across the Baltic Sea. Swedish and US forces conduct qualified exercises together with partners to strengthen defense capabilities across land, air, and sea domains to deter any opponent.
As told by Senior Airman Christopher S. Sparks, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, in the wing news release, this Swedish-led exercise, that started on Nov. 12 and will last until Nov. 18, increases interoperability and enhances the US forces ability to respond to threats in the Baltic Sea region alongside Swedish partners.
“This goes a long way to show the strength of our relationship and the capacity to operate together in support of stability in the Baltic region,” said Maj. Nate Wallace, the 48th Fighter Wing’s lead mission planner for the exercise, from the 48th Operations Support Squadron. “For us, this was a fantastic opportunity to not only train with the Swedish Armed Forces, but to practice 21st century close air support by operating almost completely in the digital realm.”
The exercise will take place in various locations across Sweden, with special operations forces participating from both nations. The training will also feature an integration of conventional forces from both nations in land, air and maritime exercises.
“Our ability to project combat air power rests on strong cohesive partnerships, and we rely on these partnerships to conduct sustained operations in the Arctic and Nordic regions,” said Col. Sean Lowe, 48th Operations Group commander. “This week’s joint exercise leverages our forward presence in the Baltic Sea region allowing the Liberty Wing team to deepen our interoperability with the Swedish Air Force while sending a clear deterrence message to any adversary.”
Photo credit: U.S. Special Operations Command Europe
