Thursday, September 17, 2015

USAFE Chief Calls For An F-22 Base In Europe

USAFE Chief Calls For An F-22 Base In Europe: In light of Russia’s recent aggressive action in Europe, the commander of US Air Forces Europe is calling for a rotational F-22 Raptor base in the region.

The Air Force last month deployed four F-22s to Europe for the first time ever as part of the European Reassurance Initiative, a Pentagon effort to soothe anxiety among European allies facing a resurgent Russia.

The move may be the first step in establishing a rotational base for the fifth-generation fighter jet, Gen. Frank Gorenc, commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, indicated Wednesday at the Air Force Association’s annual conference.