US, NATO forces showcase tactics, integration during Astral Knight 2024

Published May 21, 2024
By Capt. Jacob Murray, 86th Airlift Wing

GDYNIA, Poland (AFNS) --

NATO's exercise Astral Knight 2024 concluded May 18 in Gdynia, demonstrating joint force interoperability and strategic readiness between U.S. forces and NATO allies. The exercise allowed the incorporation of the Special Warfare Teaming Concept, involving the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron from Vilseck, Germany; the 57th Rescue Squadron from Aviano, Italy; and members of Polish special forces.

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VIDEO | 00:45 | NATO's exercise Astral Knight 2024 concluded May 18, 2024, in Gdynia, Poland, demonstrating joint force interoperability and strategic readiness between U.S. forces and NATO allies. The exercise allowed the incorporation of the Special Warfare Teaming Concept, involving the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron from Vilseck, Germany; the 57th Rescue Squadron from Aviano, Italy; and members of Polish special forces. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Gaspar Cortez)

The exercise emphasized United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa’s commitment to agile combat employment strategies, integrating advanced sensor technology and refining multinational tactical operations designed to enhance movement, maneuverability and security across NATO territories.

Throughout the training in Gdynia, the special warfare teams, comprising of tactical air control party members and pararescuemen, demonstrated the effectiveness of their combined operations. These operations are aimed at ensuring aircrews and Airmen are well prepared to deliver lethal combat power and conduct precise recovery operations in contested environments.

"Our presence here at Astral Knight 24 aimed to refine and test the Special Warfare Teaming strategy,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Phonchai Hansen, 2 ASOS flight chief of Alpha Flight. “By combining our TACP capabilities with the expert medical and recovery skills of the PJs, we've created a dynamic force capable of addressing multifaceted threat scenarios effectively."

Special warfare members from the 57th Rescue Squadron simulate the role of opposing forces during exercise Astral Knight 24 in Gdynia, Poland, May 18, 2024. AK24 is a multinational exercise with allies and partners demonstrating and strengthening the alliance’s shared commitment to global security and stability in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Jacob Murray)

A plane flies in air while another plane sits on ground. — A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron sits parked during Astral Knight 24, at Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, Germany, May 14, 2024. Exercise AK24 is an investment in the ability for NATO Allies to seamlessly operate together to maintain a stable and prosperous Euro-Atlantic region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Albert Morel)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas Kunkel, NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control commander, visits the living area of 52nd Fighter Wing Airmen during a readiness exercise in support of Astral Knight 24 at Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, Germany, May 13, 2024. U.S. forces’ ability to respond quickly and assure allies and partners rests upon the fact that they are located in Europe, forward and ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Albert Morel)

The exercise featured simulated, dynamic targeting missions and personnel recovery drills, during which TACPs and PJs executed coordinated responses to simulated threats. One of the scenarios included a pilot emergency ejection from an F-16 Fighting Falcon and required immediate extraction from a hostile environment, testing the cohesion and interoperability of the newly formed teams.

"The integration of TACPs and PJs into a cohesive unit allows us to leverage our respective strengths,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. John Miller, 2 ASOS flight commander of Alpha Flight. “This exercise effectively assessed the current state of Air Force Special Warfare Teaming, allowing us to inform the development of the special warfare enterprise."

This year's Astral Knight also focused on testing and improving joint operational tactics, involving not only U.S. forces but also enhancing cooperation with Polish military units and other NATO partners. The seamless collaboration forged stronger alliances and demonstrated NATO's capability to defend its members against any threat.

The Special Warfare Teaming Concept not only showcased tactical abilities but also strategic foresight in preparing NATO forces for future challenges.

"The gives us the ability to operate with our NATO allies in some pretty complex scenarios,” said a PJ participant. “This greatly improves our collective security and ensures we are always ready to respond to threats swiftly and efficiently."

The lessons learned and relationships built in Gdynia will help future NATO exercises and operations. Furthering the success of the Special Warfare Teaming Concept — marking a pivotal advancement in military operations, enhanced cooperative capabilities and strategic deployment readiness across NATO.