493rd EFS stands up in Iceland

KEFLAVIK, Iceland - Three F-15C and one F-15D aircrafts wait on the taxiway as one F-15C prepares to take off Sept. 13, 2010. The F-15D is a two-seat variant of the F-15C. The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from RAF Lakenheath, England, has been maintaining the NATO air policing mission here since September 6, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephen Linch)

493rd EFS stands up in Iceland

KEFLAVIK, Iceland – An F-15D Eagle taxis to the runway before take-off in support of the NATO air policing mission here Sept. 13, 2010. The F-15D is a two-seat variant of the F-15C. The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephen Linch)

493rd EFS stands up in Iceland

KEFLAVIK, Iceland - An F-15C Eagle turns onto a taxiway before take-off in support of the NATO air policing mission here, Sept. 13, 2010. The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from RAF Lakenheath, England, has been maintaining the NATO air policing mission here since September 6, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephen Linch)

493rd EFS stands up in Iceland

KEFLAVIK, Iceland - An F-15C Eagle with the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis before taking to the skies as a part of the NATO air policing mission here, Sept. 13, 2010. Approximately 200 Airmen deployed from RAF Lakenheath, England, in support of the mission.(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephen Linch)

493rd EFS stands up in Iceland

Published Sept. 13, 2010
By Capt. Jeff Virost
493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron

KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland -- Liberty Wing Airmen assumed control of the Icelandic Air Policing mission Sept. 6, 2010, when the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron achieved full operational capable status.

In order to become fully operational, the Airmen had to receive NATO certification in the execution of four successful quick reaction alert intercepts. Successfully accomplishing a QRA(I) means the intercept aircraft are ready to respond and in the air within 15 minutes of the alarm sounding. The 493rd EFS accomplished those four responses their first two days in country in an average of seven minutes.

The IAP is conducted as part of NATO's mission of providing air sovereignty for member nations and has also been conducted by France, Denmark, Spain and Poland. The successful accomplishment of this mission hinges on the Icelandic Defense Agency; a small, specialized organization consisting of approximately 50 people. The IDA maintains the RADAR surveillance on the island as well as the facilities for the visiting forces that support the NATO mission.

The 493rd EFS is comprised of a specialized team of its own to ensure Iceland's air sovereignty. In addition to the Airmen from the 48th Fighter Wing, there are Airmen from as close as the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall, England, and as far away as the 56th Training Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

"The success of our air policing mission is dependent on the talents of our diverse team," said Lt. Col. Connor Blackwood, 493rd EFS commander, deployed from the 493rd Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England. "We're committed to the NATO mission and the country of Iceland."

In addition to the IAP, the 493rd FS also has approximately 130 Airmen supporting the Baltic Air Policing mission for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia as a part of the 493rd EFS.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Tech. Sgt. Chris Stagner contributed to this story.)