944th, 301st FWs deploy to support "Brilliant Arrow"

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Barbara Plante
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  More than 170 members of the 301st Fighter Wing from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Texas, and 944th Fighter Wing from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., collectively referred to as the 944th Air Expeditionary Wing, deployed March 23 here in support of exercise "Brilliant Arrow." 

"Brilliant Arrow" is the air component of maritime, land and air NATO exercises going on in the region. The exercises are the final preparation phase before these three components of the NATO Response Force come together for the first time in the spring for the NRF live exercise "Steadfast Jaguar" off the west coast of Africa.

Six F-16s from the 944th FW and six from the 301st FW accomplished dissimilar air combat training and large force employment missions. Sorties were flown with NATO participating countries.

Despite weather canceling many of the "Brilliant Arrow" flying missions the first week, the 944th AEW flew 120 sorties during the two-week deployment. When not flying exercise missions, the pilots were still out there flying in the local area.

The "Brilliant Arrow" missions there were flown were executed flawlessly with air-to-air engagements, according to Lt. Col. Donald Lindberg, 302nd Fighter Squadron commander and 944th AEW detachment commander.

"I am very pleased with our performance," Colonel Lindberg said.

The reserve units had great support from the base, according to Master. Sgt. Rich Gary, 944th Maintenance Group plans and deployment superintendent.

"Whatever we asked for, they would jump through hoops to help us out," Sergeant Gary said. "Even before the main body arrived, they were wiling to support us."

The services flight, with members from both wings, provided more than 1,740 hot meals keeping the 944th AEW members fueled and ready to work.

The maintainers worked hard to keep the planes in top shape ensuring all lines were launched. Even though the weather did not always cooperate no sorties were lost due to maintenance.

"I was impressed with how well both AMUs are doing the deal," said Senior Master Sgt. Henry Thompson, 301st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons flight chief. "I have not seen any dividers come down between the two (301st and 944th) and I love it." 

The group worked long hours and the weather was much wetter and colder than most were used to with temperatures topping out at 45 degrees.

Overall the trip went exceptionally well, according to Colonel Lindberg.

"The support received from the 52nd Fighter Wing and U.S. Air Forces in Europe was first-rate. It was a pleasure to work with both the 301st and 944th. Thank you all for the outstanding job," Colonel Lindberg said.