U.S. and Dutch dignitaries, and Air Nationwide Guard Airmen and Royal Netherlands Air Power (RNLAF) personnel celebrated the top of an period because the RNLAF landed their final F-16 at Morris Air Nationwide Guard (ANG) Base at the moment, culminating a 32-year worldwide coaching relationship. The Dutch had been the primary in an extended line of overseas companions to coach at Morris ANG Base, flying a median of two,000 hours per yr within the F-16 and graduating 4 pupil pilots each 9 months as a part of the 148th Fighter Squadron. The Nationwide Guard has a vested curiosity in rising its partnerships with overseas international locations in Tucson, Arizona.

Airmen and Dutch companions from Morris Air Nationwide Guard Base collect collectively for a ultimate group image. That is the final momentary responsibility that the RNLAF will make with the 162nd Wing earlier than they return to the Netherlands. (U.S. Air Nationwide Guard picture by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

“Arizona has developed an ever-lasting relationship with the Netherlands that can proceed to strengthen interoperability between the US and overseas companion nations throughout the globe. This has been a partnership that extends past another witnessed in Nationwide Guard historical past,” mentioned Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Butler, 162nd Wing Commander.

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“I used to be a pupil within the 148th Fighter Squadron in 1991,” mentioned Lt. Col. Joost Luijsterburg, RNLAF detachment commander. “That was 31 years in the past and now I’m going to shut this unit… It’s the finish of an period,” he mentioned. Luijsterburg has already assumed command of the Dutch F-35 detachment at Luke Air Power Base, Arizona, and has been performing as twin commander of each detachments. The RNLAF has commenced transition from the F-16 to the F-35.

Four F-16 Fighting Falcons from Morris Air National Guard Base wait at the End of Runway for their turn to takeoff from Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. This is the last temporary duty that the RNLAF will make with the 162nd Wing before they return to the Netherlands.
4 F-16 Preventing Falcons from Morris Air Nationwide Guard Base wait on the Finish of Runway for his or her flip to takeoff from Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. That is the final momentary responsibility that the RNLAF will make with the 162nd Wing earlier than they return to the Netherlands. (U.S. Air Nationwide Guard picture by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

The worldwide coaching relationship between the Tucson Guard and the Dutch is a main instance of efficient diplomacy that may happen on the state stage. In reality, the Nationwide Guard instituted a State Partnership Program greater than 25 years in the past, which now consists of 85 partnerships with 93 nations across the globe. By SPP, the Nationwide Guard conducts military-to-military engagements in assist of protection safety targets but additionally leverages whole-of-society relationships and capabilities to facilitate broader interagency and corollary engagements spanning navy, authorities, financial and social spheres.

The last four F-16s belonging to the Royal Netherlands Air Force taxi after landing here today at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson. The Dutch were the first in a long line of foreign partners to train at Morris ANG Base, flying an average of 2,000 hours per year.
The final 4 F-16s belonging to the Royal Netherlands Air Power taxi after touchdown right here at the moment on the Morris Air Nationwide Guard Base in Tucson. The Dutch had been the primary in an extended line of overseas companions to coach at Morris ANG Base, flying a median of two,000 hours per yr. (U.S. Air Nationwide Guard picture by Maj. Angela Walz)

The lengthy record of overseas and home distinguished guests at at the moment’s occasion is a sign of significance of this bilateral association. Company included: Brig. Gen. Allison Miller, representing Lt. Gen. Michael Loh and the Workplace of the Director, Air Nationwide Guard; Maj. Gen. Phil Purcell, Arizona Air Nationwide Guard Air Part Commander; Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Butler, 162nd Wing Commander; Lt. Gen. Dennis Luyt, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Power; Consul Basic Dirk Janssen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Rear Admiral Sebo Hofkamp, Protection Attaché of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; and Brig. Gen. Bert ‘Vidal de Smit, Director of Operations of the Royal Netherlands Air Power.

Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Fighters End Training Flights in the US After 32 Years
Lt. Col. Joost Luijsterburg, the Royal Netherlands Air Power detachment commander, is sprayed with water after finishing his ultimate flight in an F-16 on the Morris Air Nationwide Guard Base. Luijsterburg has already assumed command of the Dutch F-35 detachment at Luke Air Power Base, Arizona, and has been performing as twin commander of each detachments. (U.S. Air Nationwide Guard picture by Maj. Angela Walz)