Wing Deploys to Bulgaria For NATO Fighter Exercise

摘要

The 159th Fighter Wing headed to Eastern Europe last month for a three-week bilateral exercise with the Bulgarian air force at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria. Approximately 150 members of the Louisiana Air National Guard unit from New Orleans and other U.S. Air Force assets participated in Thracian Eagle 2015 to increase joint readiness and build interoperability with the Bulgarian forces. Lt. Col. Matt Rippen, the 159th Operations Group commander, said the strengthened relationships and engagements with allies would demonstrate the United States and NATO's shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Europe.