ANG brings air power to Europe for Steadfast Javelin II

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sara Keller
  • 86th Airlift wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  More than 60 Airmen from the Air National Guard traveled from various units throughout the U.S. to support the two-week long NATO-led exercise, Steadfast Javelin II.

The exercise prepares U.S., NATO Allies and European security partners by conducting unified land operations through the simultaneous combination of offensive, defensive, and stability operations and also sustained interoperability with partner nations.

Ten ANG C-130s from California, Delaware, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois, provided a significant amount of air power to enable the joint forcible exercise.

"The ANG is playing a pivotal part in Steadfast Javelin II," said Brig. Gen. James C. Witham, U.S. ANG deputy director. "Reserve units provide nearly 60 percent of tactical air support throughout the globe and we need the ANG to conduct such large-scale exercises like this."

Active-duty and ANG aircraft are supporting Steadfast Javelin II by providing personnel air drop and air landings in support of forcible entry, force projection and reinforcing the joint commitment to Operation Atlantic Resolve, which demonstrates commitment to our NATO Allies and security in Eastern Europe.

"The ANG is able to bring unique capabilities to NATO-led exercises like this one," said Witham. "Not only are we able to provide the element of experience with our extremely capable and experienced aircrew, we're able to help strengthen relationships with many of the NATO countries by building on the enduring friendships we've been able to maintain through our State Partnership Program."

Steadfast Javelin II is an ideal training scenario said Col. Robert Culcasi, 166th Operations Group commander for the Delaware ANG and "air boss" for all ANG assets participating in this exercise.

"Exercises like this help demonstrate our ability to work as a joint team and move [personnel] to project power anywhere in the area of operation, demonstrating mission capabilities," said Culcasi.

The exercise started Aug. 31 and concludes Sept. 11, and features participation by 16 nations and more than 2,000 personnel.