Stolen Cerberus V kicks off in Greece

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Devin M. Rumbaugh
  • 86 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
ELEFSIS (ELEVSIS), GREECE --  Approximately 115 Airmen, three U.S. C-130J Super Hercules, and one C-21, all assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing, have deployed to Elefsis Air Base, Greece in support of Stolen Cerberus V, a bilateral training mission with the Hellenic Air Force.
“Our primary mission is building partnership capacity with Greece and to allow us to utilize their assets, and them use our assets as should we need to going forth in the future,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Pritchard, deputy mission commander for Stolen Cerberus V.
The mission focus is enhancing interoperability, airlift capability, and aeromedical evacuation procedures.
“It’s about maintaining and sustaining a lengthy partnership with the Hellenic Air Force and to ensure interoperability with their crews and ours,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Richard Moore, 86th Airlift Wing commander. “We all fly C-130s and we all have similar portions of our missions we focus on. This exercise is about making sure we are good at that together.”
Airmen with the 86th AW are working hand-in-hand with Hellenic air force maintainers, aircrew, cargo riggers, along with the 435th Contingency Response Group and 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 5th Quartermaster Company.
According to officials, through joint exercises like this, the United States and Greece demonstrate their commitment to promote peace and stability in the European theater.