French Minister of Defence Jean Yves Le Drian pins the French Legion of Honor medal on Staff Sgt. Greggory Swarz at Le Bourget Airport during the International Paris Air Show, June 15, 2015. Swarz was recognized for his heroic actions on Jan. 26, 2015, when he saved the lives of three French airmen after a Hellenic air force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed into the parking ramp at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, during Tactical Leadership Program 15-1. Swarz is a 492nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit electrical environmental systems specialist assigned to RAF Lakenheath, U.K. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Ryan Crane)

U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force aircraft are on display during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport, France, June 17, 2015. The Paris Air Show provides a collaborative opportunity to share and strengthen the U.S. and European strategic partnership that has been forged during the last seven decades and is built on a foundation of shared values, experiences and vision. The event is expected to bring in 315,000 people, a record 2,215 companies, 150 aircraft, and will span 324,000 square meters. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Ryan Crane)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft flies over the airfield at Ämari Air Base, Estonia during Exercise Hedgehog May 7, 2015, . The A-10 supports Air Force missions around the world as part of the U.S. Air Force's current inventory of strike platforms, including the F-15E Strike Eagle and the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released)

More than 100 Airmen and three C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, deployed to enhance bilateral defense ties with Polish armed forces members during a scheduled aircraft rotation to the U.S. Air Force Aviation Detachment in Poland.

Following Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's announcement today during Senate testimony that the United States is augmenting its participation in NATO's air policing mission in the Baltics and will increase joint training through its aviation detachment in Poland, a defense official provided additional information.

Slovenian-born General Frank Gorenc, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, visited Slovenia Nov. 8 and 9, 2013, to meet Defence Minister Roman Jakič, Chief of the General Staff, Brigadier Dobran Božič, and President Borut Pahor. The general also visited the barracks and airbase in Cerklje ob Krki and be presented the capabilities of the Slovenian air force, according to the Defence Ministry.

Warrant Officer 1st Class Krzysztof Gadowski, the top enlisted advisor for the Polish air force, visited the Ramstein First Term Airman's Center, Kisling NCO Academy, and the Airman Leadership School Sept. 17-19. The trip included an overview of the academic curriculum, multiple sessions of observing instructors interact with students, and one-on-one discussions with the enlisted leaders of both PME facilities.

A key pillar of NATO’s deterrence is the strength, flexibility and high quality of its air power. In Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR over Libya, NATO jets flew some 26,000 sorties, including more than 9,600 strike missions

Gillison responded that while blanket waivers cannot be granted, each waiver package will include a copy of the Air Force command letter stating the debt was incurred "through no fault of the employee."

U.S. European Command and the Israel Defense Forces are scheduled to begin Juniper Stallion 13, a bilateral aerial exercise held between the U.S. and Israeli air forces this week in Israel. The exercise is not related to any current real-world events.

Poland and the United States continue their aerial training at Detachment 1, 52nd Operations Group here as they move into the operational aspect of the flying program.

"We consider them one of our top allies, and it's an ally that we want to improve our relationship with and partnership with," Spears said. "So, the aviation detachment is a mechanism with which we can strengthen that partnership."

Our goal is to make each nation here better because together we are stronger," Sharpy said. "The goal of this visit has been to show our visitors everything it takes to complete the mission and that really involves our Airmen; they are what make the mission possible."

When a jet takes off from Aviano loaded with munitions in support of an operation, the Airmen from the 31st Munitions Squadron know they've done their job.

Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa commander, presented the USAFE-AFAFRICA Medal of Distinction to a German politician here March 8.

With the Air Force's continued emphasis on developing and maintaining an expeditionary force, the 435th Construction and Training Squadron brought together expeditionary combat support members from across the Air Force for an intensive seven-day training regimen known as Silver Flag.

The first rotation of aircraft to the Poland Aviation Detachment (Av-Det), Detachment 1, arrived at Powidz Air Base, Poland, on Feb. 22. For this first rotation, a number of U.S. Air Force 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Hercules and personnel from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, will train with the Polish Air Force at Powidz Air Base from Feb. 22 to March 9.

Aircraft and military professionals from the U.S., Portugal, Netherlands, the U.K. and NATO are continuing to develop their ability to work together during REAL THAW 13, Feb. 11-22.

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band joined bands from seven other nations here at the Musikschau Der Nationen (Music Show of the Nations) Jan. 23 - 27 to remember veterans of all nations that fought in World War I and World War II.

A C-5 Galaxy from the 521st Air Mobility Wing, bound for Turkey, left here today with service members and supplies for the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command in support of NATO's Patriot Missile Battery deployment.

Soldiers from U.S. Army Europe's 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, along with members of the 32nd AAMDC from Fort Bliss, Texas, are deploying to Turkey in support of NATO missile defense operations.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta tends to be a busy man, but despite the global issues on his scope and the busy schedule he follows, taking time to meet with those instrumental to America's defense is important to him.

EUCOM Forces are assigned to five distinct component commands responsible for conducting broad spectrum operations throughout Europe.

U.S. European Command’s mission is to ensure ready forces and access to execute high-priority contingency plans while supporting other Combatant Commands.

USAFE is a major air force command and also EUCOM’s primary air component, planning and executing air and space operations in Europe and Asia to achieve NATO and U.S. objectives based on the EUCOM commander’s taskings.