U.S. Air Force deploys F-15s, C-130 in Ukraine for the first time for Clear Sky exercise

F-15C Eagles from the 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif., have arrived at Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, to participate in Clear Sky 2018, a joint and multinational exercise that will involve personnel from nine nations, including Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Additionally, a C-130J Super Hercules from the 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., has arrived at Vinnytsia AB, Ukraine, to participate in the exercise.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of collaboration between the California Air National Guard and Ukraine as part of U.S. European Command's State Partnership Program, and the exercise will include robust participation of California ANG units.
Training will focus on air sovereignty, air interdiction, air-to-ground integration, air mobility operations, aeromedical evacuation, cyber defense, and personnel recovery.
This exercise aims to enhance regional capabilities to secure air sovereignty and promote peace and security through cooperation, collaboration and interoperability with NATO partners and other allies in the region.
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