Danelly Field, Ala. -- DANNELLY FIELD, Ala. (June 4, 2021) — Fifteen members of the Romanian Air Force participated in the Alabama State Partnership Program here May 23-June 5, 2021.
The program enhances interoperability for military members of both nations who maintain the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The partnership with Romania and the state has been active since 1993.
“Having this partnership helps change your mindset,” said Chief Master Sgt. William Rhodes, equipment maintenance superintendent with the 187th Maintenance Squadron. “It helps you think of the world on a global scale. It makes you understand that it’s not just about the Air National Guard sitting here in Alabama. The way we do things is impactful all over the world.”
In 2016, the Romanian Air Force added F-16s to their fleet and have shared Fighting Falcon-specific tactics, techniques and procedures with the Red Tails through the program.
“They tell us how they do things, and we can learn a lot from them,” Rhodes said. “We tell them how we do things, and they can learn a lot from us. That’s one of the reasons the State Partnership Program exists: to exchange ideas and build that bond. It helps us become better allies.”