The U.S. Air Force first tests its new air expeditionary force concept, deploying F-16s of the 20th Fighter Wing and the 347th Wing to Bahrain, under Operation Vigilant Sentinel. The idea will go on to form the basis of the Expeditionary Air Force, the service’s model for deployments for years to come.
The U.S. military’s ability to access air bases in Europe will be a central consideration as the Trump administration makes decisions on the future American military posture on the continent, the top Pentagon policy official said.