First flight Dream vacation First flight Dream ... - RAF Lakenheath

Jet48NewsLocalAirmen build friendship with Bulgarian counterpartsBy Senior Airman Eric Donner48th Fighter Wing Public AffairsGRAF INGNATIEVO AIR BASE,Bulgaria—The Airmen of the 492nd FighterSquadron, from RAF Lakenheath, continue tobuild international friendships with theBulgarian Air Force here.The pilots of the F-15E Strike Eagles andthe MiG-29s and MiG-21s are sharing knowledgeof aircraft and tactics as exerciseImmediate Response 2006 wraps up its firstweek of training.“Our pilots are engaging with theBulgarians by flying in their formations andengaging them in dog fights,” said Lt. Col.Troy Stone, 492nd Fighter Squadron deployedcommander.The goal of the deployment is to learn thetactics and the capabilities of the aircraft. Theaircraft the F-15Es are flying against are thesame air frames most of the United States’ possibleadversaries fly, said Colonel Stone.“Only two of the 38 aircrew members havehad a chance to fly against MiGs,” the coloneladded. “By the time the exercise is over everyonewill have had a chance to either fly in aMiG or fly against one.”The Airmen here are not just learning howto fight against MiGs, but they are also teachingthe Bulgarians how to operate in a NATOenvironment, said Colonel Stone. “TheBulgarians are becoming familiar with NATObriefing and flying procedures.”Bulgaria allows Airmen to experience a differentNATO deployment than aWestern Europe exercise. WesternEuropean bases have all the equipmentand shops already in place.Everything needed here for thedeployment was brought from RAFLakenheath, which required integratedteamwork of the 48thLogistics Readiness, Munitions andAircraft Maintenance Squadrons, aswell as other support units. Thebase here is similar to deploying toa bare base at a deployed location.“We brought everything weneeded for this deployment becauseeverything here is Soviet technology,”said Master Sgt. Paul Perron,48th MUNS NCO in-charge. “Wewere planning the TDY threemonths out to make sure all equipmentneed was with us.”Despite the challenges, theopportunity for the United Statesand Bulgarian air forces to exercisetogether helps build friendships andcontinues the strong cooperationbetween the two countries.“The base has gone over the topto accommodate the F-15s--theyhave been incredibly helpful. Thebase and the capabilities of the pilotshave exceeded our expectations,” said ColonelStone.“The U.S. policy is to expand our interestinto Eastern Europe, and exercises likePhoto by Senior Airman Eric DonnerStaff Sgt. Zac White, 48th Aircraft MaintenanceSquadron, inspects aircraft equipment during theImmediate Response exercise in Bulgaria.Immediate Response 06 reinforces the commitmentto build relationships with theBulgarians,” he added.The exercise ends today.PAGE 8 JET 48 MAGAZINE JULY 28, 2006