Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1407740
to change the composition of the potential strike package (bomber plus escort), eliminating the B-1Bs or B-52Hs. Instead, F-15Es would take over the role of the bombers, carrying five JASSMs each, being capable of conducting a strike and defending themselves. Deployment of 24 USAFE aircraft to Poland, including 20 F-15s, had numerous observers questioning the nature of that move - ask- ing whether it shall be viewed as a show of force, in response to Russian military buildup beyond the Ukrainian border. According to information released by the Polish MoD, the press department of the General Command of the Polish Armed Forces, and by the spokes- person for the Pentagon, the exercise had been planned, and they had no connection to the tensions escalating between Russia and Ukraine. For those who remained current on the topic, the coinciden- tal nature of the occurrence of both facts was obvious. Nonetheless, after the first week of the exercise involving several US and Polish aircraft, the Russian authorities announced the withdrawal of forces temporarily stationed close to the Ukrainian border. Operations The aircraft hailing from Lakenheath and Spangdahlem, and stationed in Łask and Krzesiny, were conducting two sorties a day - in the morning, and the afternoon. 6-8 aircraft of each type were usually taking off. Apart from the joint sorties, conducted with the 3rd, 6th, and 10th Squadron of the Polish Air Force, the USAF pilots also flew some missions independently - such as an overflight of the Baltic States done by a two-ship formation of F-15Es. The Pan- thers made another appearance there a few weeks later, partaking in the national holiday in Estonia. However, the latter flypast took off directly from Lakenheath, and it was also supported by a KC-135R tanker. From the Polish point of view, the goal of the exercise was to verify and refine the interoperability, procedures, standards, and Ukraine. For those who remained current on the topic, the coinciden tal nature of the occurrence of both facts was obvious. Nonetheless, after the first week of the exercise involving several US and Polish directly from Lakenheath, and it was also supported by a KC-135R directly from Lakenheath, and it was also supported by a KC-135R tanker. From the Polish point of view, the goal of the exercise was tanker. From the Polish point of view, the goal of the exercise was to verify and refine the interoperability, procedures, standards, and to verify and refine the interoperability, procedures, standards, and 18 www.fragoutmag.com www.fragoutmag.com