A crew chief from the 388th Fighter Wing marshalls an F-35A Lightning II as they launch for deployment to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Feb 15, 2022. The wing's 34th Fighter Squadron, alongside reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing, deployed to Germany to bolster readiness, enhance NATO's collective defense posture and further increase air integration capabilities with Allied and Partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Kip Sumner)
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – F-35s from Hill Air Force Base arrived in Germany today, as tensions continue to froth along the Russia and Ukraine border.
Pilots and support personnel from the 388th Fight wing and the reserve 419th are now at Spangdahlem Air Base.
In a press release, HAFB specifically said the jets are there to “bolster readiness, enhance NATO’s collective defense posture and further increase air integration capabilities with Allied and Partner nations.”
“Our Airmen and aircraft were ready to go. I’m thankful for their hard work, and all of the support we received from Hill Air Force Base to get out the door,” said Col. Craig Andrle, 388th Fighter Wing commander. “This deployment proves we can provide our Air Force the capabilities of the F-35A anywhere in the world rapidly.”
The base says the 388th Fighter Wing is the country’s most advanced multirole fighter, combining stealth, sensor fusion, and unprecedented situational awareness.
“The deployment of U.S. F-35As to Spangdahlem Air Base increases the defensive posture of the NATO Alliance and enhances our ability to operate together,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, Commander U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa and Commander Allied Air Command. “We are facing a dynamic environment and this deployment
This is the second time that the 388th and 419th have deployed to Spangdahlem. The first was part of a Theater Support Package in 2019.