The first Air National Guard theater security package to Europe concluded on Sept. 25 as F-15Cs from the Oregon ANG departed Campia Turzii in Romania, according to a Sept. 29 release. The aircraft were assigned to the 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, states the release. “The impact we have had on the mission, I believe, has been a resounding success,” said Lt. Col. Sean Sullivan, 123rd EFS commander. “We have really been able to show our commitment to Europe and our partners here that we are really in it for the peace and stability of Europe and really the whole region.” Twelve F-15Cs from the Florida ANG’s 125th Fighter Wing arrived in Europe in March to kick-start the Guard TSP. The 123rd EFS took over as the lead unit in July. The third TSP, comprised of a dozen A-10s from the 23rd Wing at Moody AFB, Ga., has already started arriving in Europe. “The TSP is another way the Air Force is increasing [its] rotational presence in Europe to reassure our allies and partner nations that our commitment to European security is a priority,” said Lt. Gen. Tom Jones, vice commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa.
Gene Smith, Former POW and AFA Chair, Dies at 91
Jan. 19, 2026
Lt. Col. Richard “Gene” Smith, who overcame five and a half years as a prisoner of war in the notorious Hanoi Hilton from 1967 until 1973, died Jan. 16. He was one day short of his 91st birthday.
