81st FS plays vital role in NATO exercise

NAMEST AIR BASE, Czech Republic -- Capt. Bennet Merriman, 81st Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, puts on his flight equipment before a close air support and forward air control training mission Sept. 10, during Ramstein Rover 2012 here. RARO 12 is a NATO partnership building exercise involving more than 16 nations. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 81st FS are participating in the exercise to provide close air support to partnering nations and practice forward air control missions with their NATO allies in international security assistance force realistic scenarios. During this mission the 81st FS pilots supported German and Italian forward air controllers. Participating in exercises like RARO 12 ensures effective employment of airpower in support of alliance or coalition forces while mitigating risks to civilians in contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard/Released)