The Reapers return: NATO Icelandic Air Surveillance complete

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies over Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, Aug. 6, 2018, in support of NATO’s Icelandic Air Surveillance mission. While providing critical infrastructure and support, Iceland has looked to its NATO allies to provide airborne surveillance and interception capabilities to meet its peacetime preparedness needs since 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)

The Reapers return: NATO Icelandic Air Surveillance complete

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron lands at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 23, 2018. Fourteen F-15C/Ds and more than 250 personnel deployed to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, in support of NATO’s Icelandic Air Surveillance mission and training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)

The Reapers return: NATO Icelandic Air Surveillance complete

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron lands at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 23, 2018. Throughout the NATO Icelandic Air Surveillance mission the squadron, designated as the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron during its deployment maintained a constant, vigilant alert status, poised to launch jets at a moment’s notice to intercept any unidentified aircraft encroaching on the protected airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)

The Reapers return: NATO Icelandic Air Surveillance complete

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron taxies down the flightline at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 23, 2018. Throughout the NATO Icelandic Air Surveillance mission the squadron, designated as the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron during its deployment, maintained a constant, vigilant alert status, poised to launch jets at a moment’s notice to intercept any unidentified aircraft encroaching on the protected airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)

The Reapers return: NATO Icelandic Air Surveillance complete

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron parks on the flightline at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 23, 2018. Fourteen F-15C/Ds and more than 250 personnel deployed to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, in support of NATO’s Icelandic Air Surveillance mission and training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Shanice Williams-Jones)

The Reapers return: NATO Icelandic Air Surveillance complete

Published Aug. 31, 2018
By Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --

After almost a month of securing the sovereign skies of Iceland and dedicated training, 14 F-15C/D Eagles and more than 250 personnel returned home from Rekjavik Air Base last week.

Throughout the NATO Icelandic Air Surveillance mission, the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron maintained a constant, vigilant alert status, poised to launch jets at a moment’s notice to intercept any unidentified aircraft encroaching on the protected airspace.

“The 493d EFS performed tremendously in Iceland,” said Lt. Col. Cody Blake, 493rd EFS commander. “The mission was successful due to the unwavering hard work and professionalism by the entire team.”

Climbing beyond mission demands, the 493rd EFS flew 238 sorties accumulating more than 400 flying hours, 70 of which simulated an actual alert situation.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Airmen deploying from across Europe and Estonian military personnel as well as the Icelandic Coast Guard were paramount to IAS mission success.

“The support from the Icelandic Coast Guard was terrific from the set-up and beddown to sustaining the mission throughout our time there,” said Blake.

Since 2008, NATO partners have provided airborne surveillance and interception to Iceland meeting its peacetime preparedness needs. This deployment marks the 11th iteration of U.S. Air Force IAS participation.