USAF F-15s & HAF F-16s on Crete

March 3, 2014
Written by E.Tsiliopoulos

Twelve US Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles belonging to 494 Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK have been training on Crete, along with Greek pilots.

The 12 F-15 Strike Eagles are accompanied by 259 personnel of which 40 are pilots. The USAF team will train alongside Greek F-16 Block 52s belonging to 115 Fighter Wing. The USAF unit is hosted Souda Base, western Crete.

The USAF contingent also includes air-to-air refueling tankers and heavy duty vehicles. The USAF contingent will remain on Crete until 4 March. The Greek base was chosen because of the opportunities and facilities offered.

Crews will train in collaborative techniques as well as joint strike, CAP, and air-to-air refueling missions.

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