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F-16 Fighting Falcon News
F-16 wings remain in Spangdahlem and Aviano
August 17, 2004 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
In one of the largest troop realignments since the end of the Cold War, US President George Bush has announced plans to call 60,000 to 70,000 American troops home from Europe and Asia. The F-16 Fighter Wings at Spangdahlem and Aviano however would remain... for now.
Most of the troops, including two heavy divisions in Germany, would be pulled from Europe, where about half of the U.S. bases would be closed, said U.S. defense officials.
Bush and his aides insisted the cutbacks should not be read as a sign of flagging US commitment to Europe and East Asia at a time when the US army is tied down in Iraq.
Two F-16 fighter squadrons will remain in Spagdahlem (22nd "Stingers" and 23rd "Hawks"), Germany for now, as well two F-16 squadrons at Aviano air base (510th "Buzzards" and 555th " Triple Nickle") in Italy. Defense officials however said they are seeking greater flexibility in their use of Incirlik air base in Turkey, closer to the Middle East.
Bush and his aides insisted the cutbacks should not be read as a sign of flagging US commitment to Europe and East Asia at a time when the US army is tied down in Iraq.
Two F-16 fighter squadrons will remain in Spagdahlem (22nd "Stingers" and 23rd "Hawks"), Germany for now, as well two F-16 squadrons at Aviano air base (510th "Buzzards" and 555th " Triple Nickle") in Italy. Defense officials however said they are seeking greater flexibility in their use of Incirlik air base in Turkey, closer to the Middle East.