SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John Wood, Third Air Force commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Cruz Munoz, Third AF command chief master sgt., visited Detachment 1 in Powidz Air Base, Poland, Mar. 19, 2018.
Det 1 is part of the 52nd Operations Group, under the 52nd Fighter Wing out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
“Det 1's mission is incredibly important, they are building upon and strengthening our NATO alliance every day.” said Maj. Gen. Wood. “I am always impressed with the professionalism of our Airmen and the inspired teamwork with our Polish allies was impressive. Det 1 is in the epicenter of our strategic goals in Europe. They are part of the foundation of our persistent presence.”
Wood and Cruz Munoz traveled to Powidz AB to see the mission first hand, meet with the Airmen of Det 1 and Polish base leadership, get a face-to-face experience for how they can help the Airmen succeed and what to expect for mission developments.
Det 1 plays several key roles in the larger USAFE mission out of three locations throughout Poland, to include working with their host nation partners, the Polish military, working under the 52nd OG out of Germany, and representing the U.S. Air Force influence in Europe.
“I was amazed by the capabilities and options Det 1 delivers to ensure the Command is on a three point-stand and ready to execute,” said Cruz Munoz. “Forward-basing is critical to our operational and strategic objectives. The Det 1 mission offers us options to create dilemmas for enemies should the need arise.”
The detachment was established in 2012 in order to increase cooperation between the U.S. and Polish air forces. The detachment personnel coordinate and control aviation rotations, organize joint training exercises and support opportunities to strengthen interoperability between U.S. and Polish air forces.
“It means a lot to have leadership come out here and make the time to see how we operate and see the tremendous people we get to work with every day,” said Lt. Col James Busch, Det 1 commander. “We’re a small of team of only 10, but we punch above our weight class. Our adversaries are watching and we hope they get a good look. We have a far reach and project force. The relationship we have with the host nation and the sharp people we got make this job worthwhile.”