POWDIZ AIR BASE, Poland, Oct. 30 (UPI) — The 86th and 182nd Airlift Wings of the U.S. Air Force participated in bilateral training with the Polish Air Force in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
The exercise began on October 12, and will run through November 6. For the training, designed to enhance combat readiness and strengthen partnerships between NATO members, the U.S. Air Force committed C-130s from both the 86th and 182nd Airlift Wings and almost 150 personnel.
“It’s important for us to work together and reach a similar level of training,” said Polish Air Force Col. Mieczysław Gaudyn, the 33rd Air Transport Base commander in a statement. “It’s also important for us to build this friendship and brotherhood, to be able to count on each other and show the world our partnership is strong.”
Other activities included night vision goggle training, fighter intercept training, and aircraft commander upgrades. 1st Lt. Katie Maglia said it was her first time working with both the C-130Js and Polish pilots.
“It has been great for me to see all the processes and learn how to fly together. It has been good interacting with everyone,” she said. “There’s a lot of camaraderie, and a little friendly competition, but at the end of the day we’re all Hercules pilots.”
The U.S. Air Force has maintained a regular rotation schedule with Poland since 2013.
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