LOAD DIFFUSER EXERCISE 2017 BEGINS

Six F-16C Fighting Falcons from the U.S. 180th Fighter Wing together with Czech Gripens and Slovenian PC-9s are deployed in Kecskemet AFB.

F-16C from the 180th Fighter Wing, Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio arriving at Kecskemet AFB

The U.S. Air Force, along with air forces from Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic, are participating in the Hungarian Air Force-hosted exercise Load Diffuser 17 in Kecskemet, Hungary, begin May 22. The U.S. F-16s, Hungarian and Czech Gripens and Slovenian PC-9s are operating from Kecskemet AFB, while the other aircraft from their home bases.

Approximately 200 U.S. Air Force Airmen, six F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 180th Fighter Wing, Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio, and two C-130H Hercules from the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield Lahm ANG Base, Ohio, are participating in exercise.

The Ohio Air National Guard and Hungary have been state partners for more than two decades through the State Partnership Program. Exercises that allow the Air National Guard to conduct military-to-military engagements with their state partners are essential to strengthening relationships with allied and partner nations, helping to maintain joint readiness and interoperability, and reassure European allies and partners.

The exercise is scheduled to end on or about to June 9, with all U.S. forces returning to their home bases at the conclusion of the exercise.

Source: U.S. Air Force