U.S. & Hellenic Air Forces Conduct Collaborative Trainings

Current exercises, which have been desired by premiers in both nations, include multiple groups of four-ships who safeguard one another. Hellenic air force Col. Ioannis Gerolimos explained, "As a fighter pilot myself, I am keenly aware of the importance of these kinds of exercises...My aim is to make sure that the 115th CW is ready to deal with any operational situation in any environment. Also, this training exercise -- with the participation of the 480th (Fighter Squadron) -- gives us both the essential means in maintaining and enhancing the ability of our involving personnel to work together, which will be increasingly important to meet future challenges as allied air forces", as stated on the U.S. Air Force website.

Hellenic air force Col. K. Zolotas stated, "It is my strong belief that this training experience will further strengthen the existing bonds between Greece and the U.S. and increase our NATO military capability...We both need this training experience because, as NATO allies, our countries could be called upon at any time to project combat air power."

Captain Brian Wagner described the challenges associated with collaborative air power, "The difficulties and benefits are two very similar things...Throughout NATO, everyone has their own background, their own story and their own cultural perspectives. When you bring all those together to accomplish one single goal, sometimes you approach a problem from a different angle. Sometimes that can lead to miscommunications, which is part of the difficulties...But it allows us to really use our diversity as a strength," he said about how sharing ideas and theories can sometimes lead to the best solution. "So that's how that difficulty becomes a strength through NATO."