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U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 432nd Aircraft Communications Maintenance Squadron give a brief on C-Band launch and recovery element (LRE) used during MQ-9 operations to Poland’s Logistics Support and Infrastructure Program Office at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, March 30, 2023. The visit bolstered NATO’s Eastern Flank by exchanging knowledge between both nations to expand remotely piloted aircraft airpower in Poland. (U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kristal Munguia)

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U.S. Air Force Maj. Keil, 432nd Security Forces Squadron commander, gives a brief on the base’s front gate security measures to Poland’s Logistics Support and Infrastructure Program Office at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, March 30, 2023. The visit bolstered NATO’s Eastern Flank by exchanging knowledge between both nations to expand remotely piloted aircraft airpower in Poland. (U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kristal Munguia)

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Creech welcomes Polish delegation

Published April 6, 2023
By Senior Airman Kristal Munguia
432 WG/432 AEW Public Affairs

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --

The 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen hosted a Polish delegation visit here, March 30, 2023, to provide insight into remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) infrastructure requirements.

The Polish delegation met with Airmen to learn about RPA airfield and maintenance facilities, communications infrastructure, as well as the base’s munitions storage area, showcasing how they enable and support the mission.

“It was an honor hosting our visitors from Poland,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Eric Schmidt, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander. “This visit served as an opportunity to improve our interoperability and our shared commitment to deter emerging threats and maintain operational capability.”

The visit bolstered NATO’s Eastern Flank by preparing Poland for future RPA operations with the knowledge they’ve obtained during this visit. As a crucial strategic U.S. Ally in Central Europe, exchanging information to expand RPA airpower strengthens regional security.

“This is a very unique base,” said Polish Brig. Gen. Dariusz Mendrala, NATO Security Investment Program director. “This visit has been very informative for NATO’s mission in safeguarding our Allies’ freedom and security.”

The visit was hosted in support of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), enacted on August 15, 2020. Within EDCA, two new programs were implemented— Poland Provided Infrastructure (PPI) and Poland Provided Logistics Support (PPLS).

The PPI program includes 113 military construction projects at 11 Agreed Facilities Areas (AFAs) across Poland to support interoperability and increase the capability of forces operating in Poland.

Under the PPLS program, Poland provides logistical support for U.S. forces at AFA locations. This support includes facility maintenance, fuel cost sharing, food service, lodging, storage, fire and emergency services, medical response, and telecommunications infrastructure services.

“Poland’s commitment to the U.S. forces and RPA airpower expansion in Poland strengthens the partnership and cooperation between the U.S. and Poland, yielding security benefits for both nations in the years to come,” said Schmidt.