European theater security package A-10s are flying two weeks of cooperative training with the Hungarian air force this month at Pápa AB, Hungary, US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa announced. Since deploying from Moody AFB, Ga., in September, the A-10s have visited seven countries, training with a dozen NATO allies, according to a release. “A lot of that has happened because our coalition partners have been excited to receive us and have us operate out of their airfields,” said 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Bryan France. The 74th EFS will hone air-to-ground coordination with the Hungarians and take part in Exercise Wise Foresight, according to a release. In addition to the 74th EFS A-10s deployed to Europe, Moody A-10s of the 163rd EFS are also currently deployed to Incirlik AB, Turkey, hitting targets in Iraq and Syria. HC-130J rescue support aircraft and HH-60G combat search and rescue helicopters from Moody are also currently deployed to Turkey, providing CSAR for coalition forces from Diyarbakir Air Base. The 74th EFS arrived in Hungary, Dec. 2.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.