Sweden has become the fourth partner nation after Finland, Georgia, and Ukraine to join NATO’s Response Force, announced the alliance. The North Atlantic Council approved the Nordic nation’s contribution on Oct. 14, clearing the way for its staff officers to participate in Steadfast Jazz 2013 in early November—the largest NATO exercise of the last seven years meant to help test and certify the NRF, according to the alliance’s Oct. 14 release. “Our relationship [with Sweden] is already strong, and this will make it even stronger,” said NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Sweden has “offered substantial forces” to the next four 12-month NRF rotations, including aircraft, ships, and land forces, states the release. Partner countries may contribute to the NRF once the NAC has approved their participation and their forces meet NATO’s standards. They reinforce NATO members’ contributions, but do not replace them, states the release. Finland and Ukraine are also participating in Steadfast Jazz.
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on the frontlines of homeland defense.
