State Partnership Program

Video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Sperle

B-Roll 303rd Fighter Squadron Supports DEFENDER 23

AFN Rota

May 11, 2023 | 3:30

Airman from the 303rd Fighter Squadron stationed at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, join Exercise Swift Response 23, part of larger Exercise DEFENDER 23. DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led exercise focused on the strategic deployment of continental United States-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stocks, and interoperability with Allies and partners. Taking place from 22 April to 23 June, DEFENDER 23 demonstrates USAREUR-AF's ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe, increase lethality of the NATO Alliance through long-distance fires, build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment, and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF's operational reach. DEFENDER 23 includes more than 7,000 U.S. and 17,000 multi-national service members from more than 20 nations who will participate including, but not limited to: Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States.