U.S. Airmen assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing wait with their luggage before their departure to air bases across Europe during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Nov. 1, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 351st Air Refueling Squadron hold a preflight briefing during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Nov. 1, 2021. The U.S. Air Force’s forward-deployed forces are engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing conduct a preflight walk-around of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft before conducting a refueling mission during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Nov. 1, 2021. The U.S. Air Force’s forward-deployed forces are engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing discuss safety measures before a refueling mission during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Nov. 1, 2021. The ability to quickly respond and reassure allies and partners rests upon the U.S. Air Force’s forward and ready presence in Europe. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing secure cargo on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Nov. 1, 2021. The ability to quickly respond and reassure allies and partners rests upon the U.S. Air Force’s forward and ready presence in Europe. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joseph Tomassi, left, 351st Air Refueling Squadron pilot, and Capt. Katharine Kopinski, 351st ARS pilot, perform preflight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft before a refueling mission during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Nov. 1, 2021. The U.S. and Europe are mutually committed to facing emerging malignant forces and evolving strategic challenges. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron departs from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, after receiving fuel during exercise Castle Forge off the coast of Norway, Nov. 1, 2021. Training with joint and combined allies and partners increases lethality and enhances interoperability, allowing U.S. forces to counter military aggression and coercion by sharing responsibilities for common defense. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during exercise Castle Forge off the coast of Norway, Nov. 1, 2021. The complexity of the European continent makes operating with allies and partners throughout Europe an imperative. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Juan Morales, 351st Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, refuels a B-1B Lancer aircraft during exercise Castle Forge off the coast of Norway, Nov. 1, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, to receive fuel during exercise Castle Forge off the coast of Norway, Nov. 1, 2021. Forward-deployed forces are engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron uses a power cart to deliver power to a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while performing postflight maintenance during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Nov. 1, 2021. The U.S. Air Force’s forward-deployed forces are engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. Alongside F-15 operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE MAJCOM-wide Agile Combat Employment Initial Operating Capability capstone event. Both Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, sits on the flightline during exercise Castle Forge at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 3, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, sits on the flightline during exercise Castle Forge at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 4, 2021. The U.S. Air Force’s forward-deployed forces are engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing refuel aerospace ground equipment during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 3, 2021. The U.S. Air Force’s forward-deployed forces are engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Taylor Williford, right, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels journeyman, accounts for diesel fuel while Senior Airman Arnuphap Parakawongnaayutdhaya, 100th LRS fuels journeyman, verifies his work during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 3, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing refuel an aerospace ground equipment light during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 3, 2021. The U.S. Air Force’s forward-deployed forces are engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing account for diesel fuel during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 3, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing fill an aerospace ground equipment power cart with diesel fuel during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 3, 2021. The U.S. Air Force’s forward-deployed forces are engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing fill an aerospace ground equipment light with diesel fuel during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 3, 2021. The ability to quickly respond and reassure allies and partners rests upon the U.S. Air Force’s forward and ready presence in Europe. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, sits on the flightline before an air refueling mission during exercise Castle Forge at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 4, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Benjamin Kellum, left, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, and Capt. Kelly Hightaian, 351st Air Refueling Squadron pilot, perform a preflight walk-around of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 2, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Ellinwood, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulics craftsman, verifies the proper functioning of flight controls on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 4, 2021. The U.S. Air Force’s forward-deployed forces are engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Benjamin Kellum, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, passes main landing gear locks through the crew entry door before an air refueling mission during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 2, 2021. The ability to quickly respond and reassure allies and partners rests upon the U.S. Air Force’s forward and ready presence in Europe. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Evin Pryga, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace hydraulics journeyman, removes a power cord from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft prior to flight during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 2, 2021. The ability to quickly respond and reassure allies and partners rests upon the U.S. Air Force’s forward and ready presence in Europe. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Santonio Portis, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental journeyman, removes aircraft wheel chocks from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft prior to flight during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 3, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jamar Campbell, 351st Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, secures aircraft wheel chocks on board a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft prior to flight during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 2, 2021. The U.S. Air Force’s forward-deployed forces are engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, taxis on the flightline after landing during exercise Castle Forge at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 1, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. Alongside F-15 operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE MAJCOM-wide Agile Combat Employment Initial Operating Capability capstone event. Both Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, taxis along the flightline during exercise Castle Forge at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 3, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing fly a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during an air refueling mission during exercise Castle Forge over England, Nov. 2, 2021. The U.S. and Europe are mutually committed to facing emerging malignant forces and evolving strategic challenges. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing refuels a Norwegian air force F-35A Lighting II aircraft during exercise Castle Forge over Norway, Nov. 4, 2021. The complexity of the European continent makes operating with allies and partners throughout Europe an imperative. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A Norwegian air force F-35A Lighting II aircraft receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during exercise Castle Forge over Norway, Nov. 4, 2021. Training with joint and combined allies and partners increases lethality and enhances interoperability, allowing U.S. forces to counter military aggression and coercion by sharing responsibilities for common defense. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A Norwegian air force F-35A Lighting II aircraft approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, to receive fuel during exercise Castle Forge over Norway, Nov. 4, 2021. The complexity of the European continent makes operating with allies and partners throughout Europe an imperative. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A Norwegian air force F-35A Lighting II aircraft receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during exercise Castle Forge over Norway, Nov. 4, 2021. Training with joint and combined allies and partners increases lethality and enhances interoperability, allowing U.S. forces to counter military aggression and coercion by sharing responsibilities for common defense. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, refuels an MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing, RAF Mildenhall, during exercise Castle Forge over the North Sea, Nov. 2, 2021. The ability to quickly respond and reassure allies and partners rests upon the U.S. Air Force’s forward and ready presence in Europe. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, sits on the flightline during exercise Castle Forge at RAF Brize Norton, England, Nov. 2, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

U.S. and Royal Air Force Airmen work together to refuel a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during exercise Castle Forge at RAF Brize Norton, England, Nov. 2, 2021. The U.S. and Europe are mutually committed to facing emerging malignant forces and evolving strategic challenges. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, sits on the flightline during exercise Castle Forge at RAF Brize Norton, England, Nov. 2, 2021. The U.S. Air Force’s forward-deployed forces are engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide Agile Combat Employment capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)