U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and 150 Airmen assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, execute a rapid deployment to Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria for exercise Thracian Star 21 (TS21) during July 9-22, 2021.
Exercise objectives included maximizing interoperability, combat effectiveness and survival awareness, while operating in a dynamic high-threat environment. Missions included offensive/defensive counter air, protection of high value assets, and close air support in a contested environment.
U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder July 22, 2021
