Delaware Air National Guard C-130s and airmen this week wrapped up an almost month-long training deployment to Poland. The airmen and aircraft with the 166th Airlift Wing participated in bilateral training with the Polish Air Force during Aviation Detachment 17-2 at Powidz AB, Poland. The deployment, which lasted from March 1-27, included formation flights, fighter engagements, and aeromedical evacuation procedures, according to an Air Force release. The deployment included two C-130s and about 80 airmen. The C-130s concluded the engagement with a four-ship formation along with Polish aircraft and were judged on airdrops and tactical landings, with the Polish aircraft winning the competition.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.
