Team members were given the opportunity to complete numerous multinational missions resulting in increased capabilities, readiness, and interoperability for all involved, "Silver Arrow is designed for Guard and Reserve to participate as a force multiplier in the United States European Command (EUCOM) in regards to exercises, missions and regular training in the international community as well as building relationships with our partners," explained Chief Master Sgt Michael McDonald, Detachment Superintendent for Silver Arrow at Ramstein Air Base. 

Joint effort 

While participating in Silver Arrow, the 179th joined an Aeromedical Evacuation Mission with the 86th Air Medical Evacuation Squadron at Ramstein Air Base. This mission simulated patient transportation to and from the aircraft and in-flight patient care while travelling from Ramstein to Naval Station Rota, Spain. "Exercises like these are extremely beneficial for both the 164th and 86th by not only giving each other the opportunity to train on our skills, but to also increase interoperability, globally through this mission," said Col Darren Hamilton, 164th Operations Group Commander, assigned to the 179th Airlift Wing. 

Saber Junction 19

While at Ramstein, the 179th also had the opportunity to participate in Saber Junction 19 (SJ19), which provided vital opportunities for total forces interoperability training to take place between approximately 5,000 individuals from partner and allied nations' militaries, US Active components, US Reserves, and National Guard units. 

SJ19 is a 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) conducted, US Army Europe (USAREUR) directed exercise designed to assess the readiness of the Army 173rd Airborne Brigade to conduct unified land operations alongside NATO allies and partners. The 179th provided airlift support with personnel drops, heavy equipment drops and air attack operations. "This was a great learning exercise for our personnel, as well as a great opportunity to form international relationships and increase our interoperability with all involved through this exercise," said Lt Col Pete Tesner, 179th Airlift Wing's Director of Operations for Silver Arrow.

Throughout the course of the two weeks, 179th AW members increased their readiness, capabilities, international relationships and interoperability through the numerous missions they were involved in thanks to Silver Arrow. 

"The missions we're flying here are directly tied to our Air Force readiness and posture of being able to take the mission forward, and interacting with our active duty counterparts here at Ramstein as well as our joint partners across EUCOM," said Tesner. "We're inter-flying with local Air Forces here, supporting missions out of Aviano, Italy. This truly is a joint endeavour which is the core of the C-130 mission, inter-theatre tactical airlift. We're hitting all the high points, checking all the boxes, it is great training for all involved."