F-22 Raptors Fly Into Lithuania As Part of European Tour
(Source: US Air Forces in Europe; issued April 27, 2016)
An F-22A Raptor parked on the ramp at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, before continuing its European swing by visiting Lithuania. The F-22s are showing the flag under Russia’s nose, and will also train with NATO air forces. (USAF photo)
The F-22s, with about 20 supporting Airmen, are from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The KC-135 is from the 100th Air Refuel Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.
The aircraft and Airmen were welcomed by Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė and other distinguished visitors from the Lithuanian government and military.
"This is a demonstration that the United States is honoring its commitments and is ready to protect our region with all the most modern measures," she said in a press conference.
Both F-22s are currently part of the largest deployment of the fifth-generation aircraft to Europe. The deployment is partially funded by the European Reassurance Initiative, which provides support to bolster the security of NATO allies and partners in Europe while demonstrating the U.S. commitment to regional and global security.
"Today's demonstration is part the collective defense and security of our NATO Allies, a commitment that is underscored in President (Barack) Obama's $3.4 billion request for the European Reassurance Initiative," said U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Deborah A. McCarthy.
The F-22s will briefly stay at Šiauliai AB before returning to RAF Lakenheath, England, to continue their training deployment that ends in May. Before Lithuania, the aircraft visited Mihail Kogalniceanu AB, Romania.
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The Most Advanced US Aircraft F22 Raptors Landed In Lithuania
(Source: Lithuania Ministry of National Defence; issued April 27, 2016)
“This symbolic deployment of the most advanced aircraft in the world reiterates US commitment to NATO and security of the whole Europe and sends a clear message of deterrence to any actors that could destabilise regional security”, the Lithuanian Minister of National Defence, Juozas Olekas says. According to the Minister, this particular visit of today demonstrates that the US is capable of providing a rapid reaction to crisis situations and to redeploy its forces to any region of the world.
The Lithuanian Minister also underlines that the deployment of the F-22 Raptors in Lithuania demonstrates appreciation of our homework done. “We are the ally that increases its defence budget in the most rapid way, we display a changed national attitude to security and defence policy, we continuously improve infrastructures of the Air Base and other military installations, and we are active in the NATO space”, the Lithuanian Minister of National Defence says.
“Today’s demonstration is part of the United States’ broad commitment to Article V and the collective defense and security of our NATO Allies, a commitment that is underscored in President Obama’s $3.4 billion request for the European Reassurance Initiative”, US Ambassador to Lithuania Deborah A. McCarthy says.
The US Air Force deployed 12 F-22 Raptors and approx. 220 airmen and personnel to RAF Lakenheath, UK, to conduct air training on April-May with other Europe-based aircraft. The aircraft arrived to Europe from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.
The F-22s will also forward deploy from the UK to NATO air bases to maximise training opportunities, enhance response capabilities throughout the region, reassure NATO allies of steadfast US commitment, and deter any actions that destabilise regional security.
“The 95th Fighter Squadron deployment to Europe, showcases our ability to provide air dominance anytime, anywhere. Because of our talented and dedicated airmen and allies, we have demonstrated our ability to forward deploy F-22s throughout Europe, integrate with our Allies, and put decisive combat airpower in the skies”, Lt Col Daniel Lehoski, Commander of the 95th Fighter Squadron, says.
The F-22s will also forward deploy from the U.K. to NATO bases to maximize training opportunities, which help streamline integrative response capabilities throughout the region. The arrival of the squadron marks the largest F-22 deployment to Europe to date. Airmen and aircraft, funded by the European Reassurance Initiative.
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