The RAF detachment that has been conducting the NATO enhanced Air Policing Mission in Romania has handed over the mission to the Royal Canadian Air Force.
The RAF’s, 121 Expeditionary Air Wing has been based at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, near the Black Sea Coast in Romania to support the Romanian Air Force’s own Quick Reaction Alert to conduct the mission. During the RAF deployment, the Typhoons of RAF Lossiemouth based IX (Bomber) Squadron launched nine times against suspect aircraft.
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The incoming Canadian detachment, of approximately 150 personnel and known as the Royal Canadian Air Force-Air Task Force Romania, will be operating six CF-188 Hornet. The Hornets come from 409 (Tactical) Fighter Squadron and are usually based at Cold Lake Air Base in Canada.
"We are happy to return to Romania once again, collaborating with our allies in the Romanian Air Force, as well as our other NATO partners in the region."
Lieutenant Colonel Mask
Commander Air Task Force Romania
This is the sixth time the Canadian Armed Forces have deployed an Air Task Force to Romania as part of Operation Reassurance, the Canadian operation name for their participation in NATO Air Policing missions. 409 Squadron last deployed to Romania in 2017.
During the RAF deployment to Romania in addition to the Quick Reaction Alert scramble 121 Expeditionary Air Wing has also trained with various other Allied and Partner forces. This included Air Defence Exercise with NATO warships, Close Air Support with land forces and Air Combat Training with other NATO air forces.
"This deployment has not been straightforward, with the initial phases significantly constrained by COVID-19 and the recovery to the UK heavily impacted by the withdrawal from Afghanistan. However, I am proud to say that the personnel of 121 Expeditionary Air Wing have stepped up and delivered, both in the air and on the ground. Working with the Romanian Air Force and wider regional allies we have proven our commitment to NATO and enhanced stability in the Black Sea Region."
Wing Commander Lamping
Commanding Officer, 121 Expeditionary Air Wing
121 Expeditionary Air Wing was also joined by the German Air Force’s 71st (Richthofen) Wing in June, to further the interoperability of the two nations’ Typhoon fleets. This period saw the German Eurofighters join the RAF Typhoons and Romanian MiG-21 LanceRs conduct a joint training scramble, which was the first of its kind.
When the UK’s Carrier Strike Group was in the Mediterranean, 121 Expeditionary Air Wing Typhoons were able to conduct air combat training with F-35B Lightnings from the US Marine Corps and RAF over the Black Sea and also exercise with the His/Her Netherland Majesty's Ship Evertsen and HMS Defender, operating alongside Romanian LanceRs.
"I’m delighted to welcome IX(B) Squadron back from their very busy and successful tour in Romania. This was their first operational deployment as a Typhoon squadron, and the whole Station is proud of what they achieved, standing shoulder to shoulder with our NATO allies to help preserve security in a vitally important region."
Group Captain Layden
RAF Lossiemouth Station Commander
Throughout the deployment 121 Expeditionary Air Wing also took part in other activities in support of Allies and Partners, such as Romanian Air Force and Aviation Day, Romanian Navy Day, and Ukrainian Independence Day.
Towards the end of the deployment, seven personnel were presented with the Romanian Air Force Emblem of Honour by the Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff, given to selected foreign military personnel who have impeccably fulfilled their mission.
One recipient, Warrant Officer Class 2 Murley of the Royal Engineers, deployed as the Facilities Manager.
"I’m very humbled to receive such an award which shows the work carried out on Operation BILOXI has not gone unnoticed, and I couldn’t ask for more to show the appreciation of our efforts."
Warrant Officer Class 2 Murley
Facilities Manager
"I’m extremely grateful to receive the Emblem of Honour from the Romanian Chief of the Air Staff. The Romanian people have been very welcoming and accommodating during our time here; and I hope we continue to build on that relationship with future years of Operation Biloxi."
Flight Sergeant McDermott
Chief Clerk
