Press Release
☷Vermont ANG F 35s join NATO s Enhanced Air Policing mission
National Guard ( By Press Release office)
May 02,2022
| 56| 1
SPANGDHALEM AIR BASE , Germany – Eight F - 35A Lightning II fifth - generation fighters from the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing arrived at Spangdahlem Air Base , Germany , May 2 to continue NATO’s enhanced air policing mission along the Eastern flank . As part of NATO’s plan to bolster its collective defense posture , the Vermont Air National Guard team will take over the mission for Hill Air Force Base’s 388th Fighter Wing , which has been executing the coalition’s air policing mission since their arrival Feb . 16 . U . S . European Command’s ability to rotate units maintains readiness across the force and displays the U . S . Air Force’s ability to integrate seamlessly between Active Duty , Air Force Reserve , and Air National Guard components . Fifth - generation aircraft provide unprecedented communication capabilities , command and control , and lethality for the combined and joint force . These capabilities afford NATO and U . S . leaders the flexibility to project power and assert air dominance in highly contested environments . Over the past two and a half months , F - 35 aircraft , aircrew and support personnel have forward - deployed to Baltic Sea and Black Sea regions to enhance NATO security and stability while supporting NATO’s enhanced air policing . The continuation of the F - 35 mission gives Air National Guard Airmen the opportunity to continue the regular touchpoints and routine training integration with U . S . allies and partners throughout Europe .
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information:
Direct link to press release:
Click here .
