US Fighter Squadrons participate in exercise Baltic Trident in Estonia.

Aircraft from the US 492nd and 493rd Fighter Squadrons, and a small body of Airmen participated in exercise Baltic Trident at Ämari Air Base, Estonia, March 15-19, 2021.  Other participating countries include Estonia, Finland, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and the UK.

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493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagles fly back to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, from Amari Air Base, Estonia after completion of Baltic Trident March 19, 2021. Exercises that focus on the Agile Combat Employment concept of operations minimize the reliance on prepared airfields by enabling the dispersal of smaller units to various locations while still meeting operational needs (Picture source: US Air Force)

The exercise was centered on the Agile Combat Employment concept of operations, showcasing the 48th Fighter Wing’s multi-capable Airmen and their ability to work together with NATO allies and partner nations to effectively execute missions away from home station with varying levels of support and a smaller manpower footprint.

ACE minimizes the reliance on prepared airfields by enabling the dispersal of smaller units to various locations and still meet operational needs.

“With fewer people, it meant everyone had to pitch in, step outside of their comfort zones, and embrace the multi-capable Airmen concept,” said Captain Aaron Hieronymus, 429nd Fighter Squadron weapons and tactics flight commander.

Supporting eight aircraft's operational needs would usually require over 100 maintenance Airmen along with several Aircrew and additional support personnel. Baltic Trident was executed with less than forty Airmen and Aircrew in total.

“The exercise was an incredible success,” said Hieronymus. “The team overcame every challenge we faced and achieved every objective for the exercise.”

On top of daily sortie generation and routine maintenance on eight aircraft, the team built training relationships with the Finnish Air Force, accomplished continuity training for German Baltic Police forces, and supported Joint Terminal Attack Controller training and Barrier Arresting Kit certification in Estonia.

“The exercise provided valuable training opportunities to our Airmen working alongside allied forces in the framework of complex air operations,” said Brigadier General Rauno Sirk, Estonian Air Force commander. “Supporting the Agile Combat Employment concept of operations proves our readiness to host allied forces at any given time.”

Embracing and executing the ACE concept of operations will strengthen resiliency and ensure the Liberty Wing is postured to protect and defend U.S. national interests and those of our allies and partner nations from anywhere within the European theater.

“Baltic Trident increased our interoperability with NATO partners and other regional forces, increasing our overall lethality,” said Hieronymus. “Building these important relationships now will pay dividends in the future and give us the edge if any future conflict were to occur.”