KECSKEMET, Hungary — More than 200 Airmen assigned to the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing and 179th Airlift Wing are participating in a Hungarian-led, multinational exercise at Kecskemet Air Base in Hungary, May 22 through June 9.
More than 400 military members from six allied countries will be participating in the two-week Load Diffuser 17 exercise, including Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Czech Republic and the United States.
With a focus on enhancing interoperability capabilities and skills among NATO Ally and European partner air forces, participants are conducting joint operations and air defenses to maintain joint readiness.
The Ohio National Guard joint forces with the Hungarian Air Force in support of the exercise as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program, linking the unique capabilities of the National Guard with the armed forces of a partner country.
"The strong bonds between Hungary and the state of Ohio were forged as part of the original State Partnership Program back in 1993," said Lt. Col. Gregory Barasch, commander of the 180FW's 112th Fighter Squadron. "Our mutually beneficial security cooperation spans more than two decades and continues to foster strong, long-term relationships that will enhance future combined operations and improve interoperability while providing incredible training opportunities for our entire unit."
Training exercises such as Load Diffuser are a great example of how we work side-by-side with our NATO Allies and partners every day, not only bolstering key relationships with the Air National Guard's SPP, but also training to meet future security challenges as a unified force.
While Ohio's partnership with Hungary began in 1993, Hungary officially joined NATO in 1999, further enhancing capabilities and readiness, and a stronger commitment to the collective defense and security of Europe.
Throughout the past 20 years, the National Guard's SPP has built 79 partnerships with allied nations around the world.