Allied cooperation is crucial for the future of NATO, it enables deterrence wherever necessary, said Deputy Commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Africa, Lieutenant General Steven Basham.
On Friday, Basham visited the 33rd Transport Aviation Base in Powidz (Wielkopolskie Voivodeship), where “hot pit refueling” was carried out – refueling without shutting down the engine – of the American B-1B strategic bomber, which flew from the base in Norway and, after refueling, took off for further flight.
Basham was accompanied by the first deputy general commander of the Armed Forces, Gen. of Arms Jan Śliwka, the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, General Rajmund Andrzejczak met with the American general.
Basham referred on Friday to the anniversary of Poland’s accession to NATO .
“Today, we are celebrating with you 22 years of Poland as an ally in NATO. Poland’s membership has been an important pillar of our common success over the years, and the modernization that has taken place thanks to your commitment to common defense has opened a new door for the alliance,” he said.