U.S. Air Force (USAF) confirmed the deployment of four KC-135 Stratotankers at Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport in Ukraine.
According to the statement of the press-service, USAF has deployed four KC-135 Stratotankers to Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport is a part of US strategy to defend European Allies, enhance security in Eastern Europe and increase the level of military understanding between Allies and partners.
“Approximately 150 aircrew and ground support personnel and four KC-135 Stratotankers have arrived at Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport, Ukraine, where they will fly training missions from June 4-16, 2018,” said in the USAF’s press-service.
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All three Air Force components, active duty, reserve and Air National Guard are represented. The two active duty KC-135s are assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, U.K. The Air Reserve Component KC-135, is assigned to the 931st Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, and the fourth aircraft is assigned to the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard.
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Basing tankers in western Ukraine also meets an operational training requirement allowing the United States and partner nations to further integrate capabilities, enhance interoperability, and ensure the security and stability of the region.
Successful joint training in Ukraine results in progressive relationships that lead to tangible, mutual benefits during peacetime, contingencies, and crises.