Ramstein Airmen arrive in Poland for bilateral training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Magbanua
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POWIDZ AIR BASE, Poland --  Approximately 100 U.S. Airmen and three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft arrived in Poland, July 30, 2018, for a bilateral exercise with the Polish air force.

The aircraft and Airmen are assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Air Ground Operations Wing.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 5th Quarter Master are also participating in the exercise.

The training exercise, known as Aviation Detachment Rotation 18-4, ensures the capability and readiness of U.S. and Polish forces in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve – ensuring a faster response in the event of aggression by a regional adversary.

“This mission gives our aircrew time to practice and train with our Polish allies in advanced tactical airlift scenarios,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Zackery Williams, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Instructor Pilot and Aviation Detachment Rotation 18-4 Mission Commander. “Should we ever find ourselves in a real-world conflict, we’ll be ready to move out together.”

These training deployments and readiness exercises occur across allied nations in Europe. The 86th AW aircraft and Airmen have participated in these aviation detachment rotations in Poland since 2012.

“We remain committed to our Polish partners,” Williams said. “These rotations validate our interoperability as we continue to face emerging and evolving strategic challenges together as NATO allies.” Williams concluded by saying the team is looking forward to working with our Polish counterparts over the next couple weeks.