F-16s from Spangdahlem AB, Germany, are forward deployed to Souda Bay, Greece, for a joint readiness exercise with the Hellenic Air Force, officials announced. The three-week flying exercise with HAF F-16s is focused on air-to-air combat, suppression of enemy air defense, air interdiction, and close air support, according to a release. Approximately 15 aircraft and 300 pilots, maintainers, and support personnel from the 480th Fighter Squadron deployed for the exercise. The 480th FS also deployed to Souda last January, and the current deployment is the fourth bilateral fighter exercise between the HAF and US Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa in two years. “Anytime we can come together as partners to work on various mission sets prepares us for any mission that NATO may task,” said 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Timothy Murphy. “One of the biggest things we want to do is work with the joint terminal attack controllers on the ground,” he added. The exercise runs Jan. 22-Feb. 15.
The Air Force Historical Foundation has recognized two Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber wings among the winners of its 2025-2026 prestigious annual awards, selecting both for their part in Operation Midnight Hammer, the daring raid on Iran’s fortified nuclear weapons sites.
