Photo By Senior Airman Eduardo Figueroa Varela | A crew chief from the 147th Attack Wing signals an MQ-9 Reaper to shut down its...... read more read more
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147th Attack Wing Strengthens Ties with Czechia at Ample Strike 2024
CZECHIA — The 147th Attack Wing is actively participating in and supporting Ample Strike 2024 in Ostrava, Czechia. The Czech-led exercise, aims to enhance the integration and coordination of multiple military assets among NATO allies, ensuring seamless collaboration and operational readiness across the alliance’s forces.
In this 11th iteration of Ample Strike, the 147th continues to support the exercise, showing the Attack Wing’s ongoing commitment with Czechia as part of the state partnership.
The exercise includes challenging scenarios designed to test and improve how well different military teams work together, with a strong focus on real-time coordination between ground and air units from various allied nations.
2nd Lieutenant Brad Smith, 147th Attack Wing Aircraft Maintenance Officer, is leading efforts to maintain the readiness and operational capabilities of their aircraft, particularly the MQ-9 Reaper, which plays a crucial role in the exercise.
“Our primary mission here is to support the Czech Republic during Ample Strike 2024,” said Smith. “This exercise is essential for our maintainers, pilots, sensor operators, and technical personnel, offering them valuable training and experience.”
The team is composed of MQ-9 Reaper pilots, maintainers, logistics operators, and Air Support Operations, aiming to test its capabilities in dynamic and complex simulated scenarios.
“The MQ-9 is central to our operations during Ample Strike,” Smith added. “Our role is to ensure that these aircraft are fully operational and ready for any mission at a moment’s notice.”
Chief Master Sergeant Ric Ventresca, Aircraft Support Flight Chief, plays a key role in ensuring that the 147th Attack Wing’s contributions are both effective and impactful during Ample Strike 2024. Chief Ventresca emphasized the importance of their dual role in the exercise.
“We’re here to provide critical support while actively participating in the exercise,” he said. “Our objective is to assist the Czech Army with the capabilities they need while also demonstrating our own readiness and support capabilities in a coordinated combat environment.”
Ample Strike 2024 provides the maintenance crews from the 147th Attack Wing with a unique opportunity to gain unique experience and refine their skills in a joint context. “This training is invaluable,” Ventresca noted. “It allows our personnel to work closely with NATO allies, adapt to different operational environments, and learn from one another. The Czech Armed Forces have been exceptional hosts, providing outstanding training and logistical support.”
In addition to enhancing operational skills, the exercise also serves to reinforce strategic relationships among NATO allies.
“Our goal is to strengthen our partnership with the Czech Republic by showcasing our capabilities and demonstrating how we can be an asset to their defense efforts,” Ventresca emphasized. With each iteration, our cooperation becomes more effective.”
Ample Strike 2024 will continue into the early weeks of September.
| Date Taken: | 08.30.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2024 09:10 |
| Story ID: | 480143 |
| Location: | CZ |
| Web Views: | 154 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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