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Deployments at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany

Target is to bolster readiness, enhance NATO's collective defense posture and further increase air integration capabilities with Allied and Partner nations. The deployments are with the full cooperation of the German government.

F-35A from Hill AFB, Utah

On the 16th of February 2022 pilots, maintainers and support personnel from the active duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wing deployed their F-35A Lightning II to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

The 388th Fighter Wing is the Air Force’s first active duty combat-capable F-35A Lighting II unit. The F-35 is America’s most advanced multirole fighter, which combines stealth, sensor fusion and unprecedented situational awareness. The aircraft are equipped for a variety of missions to deter aggression and defend Allies should deterrence fail.

Growlers from NAS Whidbey Island

On 28 March 2022, six US Navy Boeing EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134 Garudas ('NL-53x') arrived at Spangdahlem Air Base (Germany). VAQ-134 is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (WA). It has not been reported how long electronic warfare aircraft will stay at Spangdahlem. According to the Pentagon Press Secretary, the aircraft will not be used to target Russian forces in Ukraine with jamming, but will be used to reinforce security in eastern Europe. About 240 Navy personnel, including maintainers and pilots, will accompany the aircraft to Germany.

VAQ-134 was originally established on 7 June 1969 at NAS Alameda (CA), flying the EKA-3B electronic warfare/tanker and KA-3B tanker Skywarriors. In 1972, the squadron received the Grumman EA-6B Prowler and became the Navy's third operational Prowler squadron. The transition to the Growler came in 2016 and after this, VAQ-134 deployed to Pacific as an expeditionary squadron. 

F-35A from Burlington ANGB, Vermont ANG

Eight F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighters from the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing arrived at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, May 2 'The Vermont Air National Guard team will take over the mission for Hill Air Force Base’s 388th Fighter Wing, which has been executing the coalition’s air policing mission since their arrival Feb. 16.

U.S. European Command’s ability to rotate units maintains readiness across the force and displays the U.S. Air Force’s ability to integrate seamlessly between Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard components.

Over the past two and a half months, F-35 aircraft, aircrew and support personnel have forward-deployed to Baltic Sea and Black Sea regions to enhance NATO security and stability while supporting NATO’s enhanced air policing.

Flying activities 20/22 April and 11 May 2022

Deployments - Local F-16s 52FW - Visitors