Airmen and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., deployed to Estonia as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Eight Warthogs and about 170 airmen arrived at Amari Air Base in Estonia on Aug. 22, according to an Air Force news release. The reservists will work with Guardsmen from three Air National Guard units to train Estonian forces and participate in training with Finnish air forces during the deployment. Training will focus on joint readiness and interoperability, and will include some low-level flying, according to the news release. Twelve A-10s and about 300 airmen from the 355th Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., returned home earlier this month after the first A-10 theater security package deployment to Europe. TSPs help US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa meet the demand for forces supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve, officials told Air Force Magazine in July.
Reports: DOD Planning to Draw Down Forces in Middle East
June 21, 2021
The Pentagon is reportedly planning to draw down the number of fighter squadrons in the Middle East while also withdrawing missile defense systems as part of a broad shift in the U.S. military’s force posture in the region. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III informed the Saudi regime that Terminal…