First ANG TSP ends with departure of 123rd EFS

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft pilots from the 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard, departed  Campia Turzii, Romania concluding the first ANG theater security package in Europe as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, Sept. 25, 2015.

More than 200 Airmen from various active duty and ANG units comprised the 123rd EFS which served in this TSP with NATO allies.

"The impact we have had on the mission I believe has been a resounding success," said U.S. Air Force Lt.  Col. Sean Sullivan, 123rd EFS commander. "We have really been able to show our commitment to Europe and our partners here that we are really in it for the peace and stability of Europe and really the whole region."

The 123rd EFS took over as the lead unit of the TSP from the 159th EFS, 125th FW, Florida Air National Guard. The 159th EFS arrived in Europe in March with 12 F-15Cs to start the ANG TSP in the European theater.

"The TSP is another way the Air Force is increasing rotational presence in Europe to reassure our allies and partner nations that our commitment to European security is a priority," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tom Jones, USAFE-AFAFRICA vice commander.

With the departure of the 123rd EFS, the third TSP has already begun with the arrival of U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron assigned to the 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

"The U.S. Air Force's forward presence in Europe, augmented by a rotational force like the TSP, allows us to work with our allies to develop and improve ready air forces capable of maintaining regional security," said U.S. Air Force Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, in a previous news release.

Operation Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of the United States' continued commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to the enduring peace and stability in the region.

"There are so many great things in each country we trained in, we really enjoyed the people that we met and worked with," Sullivan said. "Every nation we have been to has been gracious to have us there, very supportive with what we are doing and willing to help us out in every way."