Royal Air Force (RAF) Regiment and US Army personnel have conducted a joint training day in Romania to share and better understand capabilities and tactics. The RAF Regiment Gunners are currently deployed at the Romanian Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, as part of Operation Biloxi. Their role is to provide Force Protection to 121 Expeditionary Air Wing which is currently conducting the NATO enhanced Air Policing mission.
The joint training day was organised with US Army personnel from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, and 1st Armoured Brigade Combat Team who are also currently based at the the airbase. During the training, the Gunners and the US cavalrymen shared tactics and discussed weapon systems and common battlefield procedures. As part of the joint training day with the US Army the RAF Gunners were also given a demonstration of the US Army’s Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and its capabilities.
Nearly 30 RAF regular and reservist gunners brought together from across the RAF Force Protection Force make up part of the 180 strong RAF 121 Expeditionary Air Wing. 121 Expeditionary Air Wing is in Romania conducting Operation Biloxi, the name given for the UK’s mission to conduct NATO’s enhanced Air Policing operation in Romania’s air space. This is a commitment shared on a four month rotation between NATO allies.
The RAF Regiment detachment is responsible for carrying out Force Protection duties for 121 Expeditionary Air Wing; to secure, guard and defend the deployed RAF personnel, the four RAF Typhoons and other key RAF assets. The RAF Regiment is a highly-specialised force with responsibility for providing Force Protection to enable and support air operations. Specialists in ground combat operations, the RAF Regiment contributes to the defence of RAF airfields in the UK and overseas, Forward Air Controlling, ceremonial duties and support to Special Forces operations.
