U.S. Air Force has assigned F-16 Fighting Falcons to to Graf Ignatievo Air Base in Bulgaria.
According to a press release by the serive the aircrafts have been assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron (FS) park on the flightline in preparation for Thracian Star 21 at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, July 9, 2021.
Eight F-16s assigned to the 555th FS are participating in Thracian Star 21, a multilateral training exercise with the Bulgarian air force, aimed to enhance the ability to rapidly deploy to remote locations and provide credible force to assure stability for the region.
F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and Airmen assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, and Airmen assigned to 435th Combat Training Squadron, and the 4th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 1, Ramstein AB, Germany, are participating in Thracian Star 21, a multilateral training exercise with the Bulgarian air force at Graf Ignatievo AB, Bulgaria.
During the exercise, U.S. and Bulgarian air forces will conduct training to enhance our ability to rapidly deploy to remote locations and provide credible force to assure stability for the region. Participation in multinational exercises such as Thracian Star 21 enhances our professional relationships and improves overall coordination with allies and partner militaries during times of crisis.