Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff visits the Red Tails

1st Lt. Michael Luangkhot
·2 min read
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DANNELLY FIELD — The 187th Fighter Wing hosted a tour for the Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff and delegation at Dannelly Field in Montgomery on June 29.

Lt. Gen. Viorel Pană, Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff received an update on how the two countries’ air forces train together on the F-16, along the Red Tails’ transition to the F-35 Lightning II.

187th Fighter Wing,117th Air Refueling Wing, and Alabama National Guard leadership pose with the Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff and delegation in front of a Red Tail F-16 Fighting Falcon static display, Dannelly Field, Alabama, June 29, 2023. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the State Partnership Program between Alabama’s 187th Fighter Wing and the Romanian Air Force.

The Alabama National Guard has an ongoing relationship with Romania through the State Partnership Program that was initiated in 1993. Since then, the partnership has fielded numerous training exercises in both Alabama and Romania. The visitation provided Romania with insight on the F-35 conversion process, as they further continued their defense modernization program.

“It will be our 30 year anniversary with the State Partnership Program with Romania.” said Chief Master Sgt. William Rhodes, quality assurance senior enlisted leader. “It is always a blessing to see people you have grown with over your career. It truly is like a family reunion when we get together.”

In 2017, the 187th Fighter Wing was announced to be one of the first three Air National Guard units selected to receive the F-35s. Dannelly Field is undergoing significant construction changes to its base infrastructure as the Red Tails are slated to receive the fifth-generation fighter aircraft in December 2023.

Alabama Air National Guard Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Ed Casey welcomes Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff, Lt. Gen. Viorel Pană at the flight line, Dannelly Field, Alabama, June 29, 2023. The 187th Fighter Wing has hosted a State Partnership program with the Romanian Air Force since 1993. The two air forces fly F-16 missions together at Dannelly Field. The 187th is scheduled to transition from F-16s to F-35s, and the wing also provided an F-35 conversion tour for Pană the Romanian delegation.

“Showing our conversion process will provide our state partners with firsthand experience on what is needed to support one of the most advanced aircraft in the Air Force,” said Col Brian Vaughn, 187th Fighter Wing commander. “Working with Romania and sharing lessons learned with some of the best is always an amazing experience. We look forward to any opportunity that will allow us to strengthen our bond through joint operations as we have done for three decades. Our ability to continue to operate globally will depend on our relationships, and these partners have long standing connections that we value greatly.”

In addition to F-35 activity, a senior noncommissioned officers round table was held to discuss topics such as operational responsibilities and establishing relationships. The opportunity offered collective knowledge for Romania and wing members on the modern enlisted force structure and adjusting the techniques, tactics and procedures to train enlisted leaders to operate within an optimized global landscape using agile combat employment.

“We must adapt and educate our Airmen on how to operate in a new era,” said Chief Master Sgt. Mataya Williams, 187th Fighter Wing command chief. “The threats our air forces face are real and are continually evolving. It is imperative that we communicate on all levels of leadership so that there is a consistent message in how we assemble and engage in this generation’s competition.”

The Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff and delegation have open discussions with the 187th Fighter Wing members about the enlisted force structure at a senior noncommissioned officers roundtable, Dannelly Field, Alabama, June 29, 2023. The 187th has hosted a State Partnership program with the Romanian Air Force since 1993. The partnership has supported F-16 training between both air forces, along with the professional development of Airmen in all career fields who make that mission possible.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff visits the Red Tails