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LASK, Poland: The United States launched its first permanent military presence on Polish soil on Friday, an air force detachment to service warplanes, in a move long sought by its Nato ally Warsaw.
President Barack Obama announced plans to station air force personnel at Lask air base near Lodz, central Poland, during a visit last year after Warsaw pressed for what it sees as a security guarantee in the face of a more assertive Russia. From next year, the 10 resident US staff will service four annual aircraft rotations, mainly of F-16 fighter jets and C-130 Hercules transport planes.
Up to 200 uniformed personnel and civilian contractors will also be temporarily on the base. “This is a very important and symbolic moment for our relations,” said Polish Defence Minister Tomasz Siemoniak at an opening ceremony.
President Barack Obama announced plans to station air force personnel at Lask air base near Lodz, central Poland, during a visit last year after Warsaw pressed for what it sees as a security guarantee in the face of a more assertive Russia. From next year, the 10 resident US staff will service four annual aircraft rotations, mainly of F-16 fighter jets and C-130 Hercules transport planes.
Up to 200 uniformed personnel and civilian contractors will also be temporarily on the base. “This is a very important and symbolic moment for our relations,” said Polish Defence Minister Tomasz Siemoniak at an opening ceremony.
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