Thursday, 03 May 2012 18:11

U.S. & Spanish Fighters Train in Zaragoza

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 U.S. and Spanish fighters are together again, just months after taking part in Operation Allied Force as part of the NATO-led coalition that repelled Yugoslov forces from Kosovo.

ZARAGOZA AIR BASE, Spain (AFPN) --
Five F-16s and about 50 U.S. airmen, primarily from the 510th Fighter Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, arrived in northern Spain Nov. 12 to participate in Iberian Claw -- a two-week training exercise with Spanish EF-18s from Zaragoza Air Base.

Zaragoza had a large U.S. Air Force presence until 1994. Today, the base is home to the Spanish air force's 15th Group, parent organization to the EF-18 unit currently stationed at Aviano.

The deployment is giving both units an opportunity to experience nighttime training, according to Lt. Col. Bob Broderick, 510th FS deployed commander.

"That's why the Spanish invited us to come here and train with them, as well as to practice our air-to-air, air-to-ground and forward air control capabilities," Broderick said.

The Buzzards and their Spanish colleagues plan to exchange crews during the deployment.

"Some of their guys have F-16 experience, so we thought it would be good to give our guys some EF-18 time as well," said Broderick. "I think it'll give us a better understanding of each other's capabilities." (Courtesy of USAFE News Service)

Released: 22 Nov 1999
by Tech. Sgt. Bill Lincicome
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

 

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