211104-F-PZ401-1018

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Santonio Portis, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental journeyman, removes aircraft wheel chocks from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft prior to flight during exercise Castle Forge at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Nov. 3, 2021. Exercising elements of Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in Europe to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to deliver lethal combat power across the spectrum of military operations. In addition to F-15 Eagle aircraft operations in the Black Sea Region, Castle Forge encompasses the USAFE-wide ACE capstone event. Castle Forge’s components will better enable forces to quickly disperse and continue to deliver air power from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen are always ready to respond to potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Barron)