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News from the Oklahoma National Guard

NEWS | July 16, 2024

Oklahoma ANG F-16s deploy to Polish Air Base for Aviation Detachment Rotation

By SMSgt Andrew Stephens USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

 Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Oklahoma, arrived at Łask Air Base, Poland, today, July 16, 2024.

The aircraft arrived in preparation for the next 52nd Operations Group Det 1 Aviation Detachment Rotation beginning July 24.

Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Oklahoma, will began operations at Łask Air Base, Poland
SLIDESHOW | images | Oklahoma ANG F-16s deploy to Polish Air Base for Aviation Detachment Rotation Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Oklahoma, will began operations at Łask Air Base, Poland, July 24, 2024, for the latest cycle of the 52nd Operations Group Det 1 Aviation Detachment Rotation (ADR). (Photo By MSgt Juan Vasquez)
Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Oklahoma, will began operations at Łask Air Base, Poland
SLIDESHOW | images | Oklahoma ANG F-16s deploy to Polish Air Base for Aviation Detachment Rotation Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Oklahoma, will began operations at Łask Air Base, Poland, July 24, 2024, for the latest cycle of the 52nd Operations Group Det 1 Aviation Detachment Rotation (ADR). (Photo By MSgt Juan Vasquez)
Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Oklahoma, will began operations at Łask Air Base, Poland
SLIDESHOW | images | Oklahoma ANG F-16s deploy to Polish Air Base for Aviation Detachment Rotation Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Oklahoma, will began operations at Łask Air Base, Poland, July 24, 2024, for the latest cycle of the 52nd Operations Group Det 1 Aviation Detachment Rotation (ADR). (Photo By MSgt Juan Vasquez)
Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Oklahoma, will began operations at Łask Air Base, Poland
SLIDESHOW | images | Oklahoma ANG F-16s deploy to Polish Air Base for Aviation Detachment Rotation Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Oklahoma, will began operations at Łask Air Base, Poland, July 24, 2024, for the latest cycle of the 52nd Operations Group Det 1 Aviation Detachment Rotation (ADR). (Photo By MSgt Juan Vasquez)

The ADR is a recurring, long-planned, bilateral training between U.S. and Polish air forces to enhance partner interoperability, maintain joint readiness, and preserve a rapid response capability essential to ensuring peace and stability in the region. The U.S. has been conducting recurring ADR training with Poland since 2013. 

Operating from forward locations like Łask AB allows the deployed Airmen of the Oklahoma ANG to live, train, and operate alongside their Polish counterparts. Deployments such as this provide vital opportunities for integrated total force training and emphasize the U.S.’s steadfast relationships with Allies and partners across Europe. 

For media inquiries, please contact USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil

Video by Sgt. Haden Tolbert
Oklahoma Army National Guard hosts Best Warrior
Oklahoma National Guard
Nov. 9, 2024 | 1:30
Sixteen Soldiers from the Oklahoma Army National Guard competed in the 2025 OKARNG Best Warrior Competition at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, Nov. 6-8, 2024.

At the conclusion of the competition, Spc. Juan Lopez, a resident of Stillwater, Oklahoma assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team as a signal operations support specialist, won the title of Soldier of the Year, while Sgt. James Bording, a resident of Claremore, Oklahoma assigned to the 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th IBCT as an infantryman, was awarded the title of Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. (Oklahoma National Guard Video by Sgt. Haden Tolbert)

CG:
00:23:15
Command Sgt. Maj. John Hernandez
Command Sgt. Maj. for Oklahoma

00:38:14
Spc. Juan Lopez
2025 Soldier of the Year

00:46:23
Sgt. James Bording
2025 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
More