LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Members of the U.S. Air Force 61st Airlift Squadron visited Norway and Sweden from May 7 to May 18, 2024.
The visit served to strengthen ties between the nations’ air forces and to welcome Sweden to NATO.
During this trip, approximately 27 personnel participated in training with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, performing military freefall and static line operations with Norwegian Special Forces.
"The 61st AS has a Norwegian C-130J exchange pilot, Maj. Erik Smistad, who was vital in connecting with the Norwegian 335th Squadron," said Lt. Col. Jason Walker, 61st AS commander. "We are grateful for the opportunity to have Maj. Smistad in the squadron, and we look forward to our future opportunities to work with our Nordic NATO allies."
This training was an opportunity for the Norwegians to regain formation currency, giving them the capability to complete training on a more regular basis.
"We haven’t flown formation in a long time, so having current instructors here was important for us," said Maj. Pål-Christian Grosvold, 335th Squadron pilot.
Members of the 61st AS were able to show and explain the differences between a Block 6.0 C-130J aircraft and a Block 8.1 C-130J aircraft while flying with loadmasters and pilots assigned to the 335th Squadron.
61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
U.S. Air Force pilots from the 61st Airlift Squadron prepare for takeoff at Bodø, Norway, May 10, 2024. The aircraft serves as a cornerstone of strategic collaboration among Allied nations. Joint training exercises, logistical support missions, and cross-border operations help to foster a robust network of defense cooperation, enhancing Allies’ collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, sits on the flightline in Bodø, Norway, May 10, 2024. Collaboration is at the core of the C-130J's mission. Designed with interoperability in mind, it seamlessly integrates with Allied forces, facilitating joint operations and enhancing military cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, is shown on the flightline in Bodø, Norway, May 10, 2024. The aircraft serves as a cornerstone of strategic collaboration among Allied nations. Joint training exercises, logistical support missions, and cross-border operations help to foster a robust network of defense cooperation, enhancing Allies’ collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
Royal Norwegian Air Force Maj. Pål-Christian Grosvold, 335th Squadron pilot, welcomes U.S. Air Force members assigned to the 61st Airlift Squadron to Norway at Station Group Gardermoen, Norway, May 9, 2024. Training with joint service members, and Allies and partners increases lethality and enhances interoperability, allowing forces to counter military aggression and coercion by sharing responsibilities for common defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
U.S. Air Force Capt. Scott Sivard, 61st Airlift Squadron pilot, discusses with Royal Norwegian Air Force Airmen assigned to the 335th Squadron at Station Group Gardermoen, Norway, May 9, 2024. Collaboration is at the core of the C-130J's mission. Designed with interoperability in mind, it seamlessly integrates with Allied forces, facilitating joint operations and enhancing military cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 61st Airlift Squadron debrief with Royal Norwegian Air Force Airmen assigned to the 335th Squadron at Station Group Gardermoen, Norway, May 13, 2024. Collaboration is at the core of the C-130J's mission. Designed with interoperability in mind, it seamlessly integrates with Allied forces, facilitating joint operations and enhancing military cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 61st Airlift Squadron debrief with Royal Norwegian Air Force Airmen assigned to the 335th Squadron at Station Group Gardermoen, Norway, May 13, 2024. Training with joint service members, Allies and partners increases lethality and enhances interoperability, allowing forces to counter military aggression and coercion by sharing responsibilities for common defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
Royal Norwegian Air Force Maj. Pål-Christian Grosvold, 335th Squadron pilot, laughs with U.S. Air Force Capt. Scott Sivard, 61st Airlift Squadron pilot, at Station Group Gardermoen, Norway, May 13, 2024. Training with joint service members, and Allies and partners increases lethality and enhances interoperability, allowing forces to counter military aggression and coercion by sharing responsibilities for common defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
U.S. Air Force Capt. Cory Thomas, 61st Airlift Squadron pilot, leads a mission debrief with the Royal Norwegian Air Force 335th Squadron at Station Group Gardermoen, Norway, May 13, 2024. America's bilateral relationships with the Arctic nations are some of the nation's longest-held and most enduring relationships - militarily, diplomatically and commercially. The U.S. established relations with Norway in 1905. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
U.S. Air Force Capt. Cory Thomas, 61st Airlift Squadron pilot, flies over mountains in Norway, May 13, 2024. Collaboration is at the core of the C-130J's mission. Designed with interoperability in mind, it seamlessly integrates with Allied forces, facilitating joint operations and enhancing military cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, flies over mountains in Norway, May 9, 2024. Beyond its military role, the C- 130J embodies Europe's humanitarian spirit. From delivering emergency relief supplies to remote communities to evacuating civilians from conflict zones, it exemplifies our shared values of compassion and solidarity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, flies over mountains in Norway, May 10, 2024. The C-130J Super Hercules serves as a cornerstone of strategic collaboration among Allied nations. Joint training exercises, logistical support missions, and cross-border operations help foster a robust network of defense cooperation, enhancing the collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, flies over mountains in Norway, May 10, 2024. The C-130J Super Hercules serves as a cornerstone of strategic collaboration among European ally nations. Joint training exercises, logistical support missions, and cross-border operations help to foster a robust network of defense cooperation, enhancing our collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
A C-130J Super Hercules from Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, flies over mountains in Norway, May 10, 2024. Collaboration is at the core of the C-130J's mission. Designed with interoperability in mind, it seamlessly integrates with Allied forces, facilitating joint operations and enhancing military cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, flies over mountains in Norway, May 9, 2024. The C-130J Super Hercules serves as a cornerstone of strategic collaboration among Allied nations. Collaboration is at the core of the C-130J's mission. Designed with interoperability in mind, it seamlessly integrates with Allied forces, facilitating joint operations and enhancing military cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, flies over mountains in Norway, May 9, 2024. The C-130J Super Hercules serves as a cornerstone of strategic collaboration among European ally nations. Joint training exercises, logistical support missions, and cross-border operations help to foster a robust network of defense cooperation, enhancing our collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, flies over mountains in Norway, May 9, 2024. The C-130J Super Hercules serves as a cornerstone of strategic collaboration among Allies. Joint training exercises, logistical support missions, and cross-border operations help to foster a robust network of defense cooperation, enhancing our collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
U.S. Air Force Capt. Cory Thomas, 61st Airlift Squadron pilot, flies over mountains in Norway, May 13, 2024. America's bilateral relationships with the Arctic nations are some of the nation's longest-held and most enduring relationships - militarily, diplomatically and commercially. The U.S. established relations with Norway in 1905. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, flies over Oslo, Norway, May 13, 2024. America's bilateral relationships with the Arctic nations are some of the nation's longest-held and most enduring relationships - militarily, diplomatically and commercially. The U.S. established relations with Norway in 1905. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett)
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61 AS visits Norway and Sweden
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, flies over Oslo, Norway, May 13, 2024. Collaboration is at the core of the C-130J's mission. Designed with interoperability in mind, it seamlessly integrates with Allied forces, facilitating joint operations and enhancing military cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett) Cornett)
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"We brought a lot of young pilots and loadmasters on this trip for training that you just can’t get in the States," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Scott Sivard, 61st AS C-130 instructor pilot.
This visit also marked an important occasion, as Sweden recently joined NATO. This historic event highlights Sweden's commitment to collective security and the strengthening of transatlantic ties.
Additionally, the trip featured cultural exchanges, allowing U.S. personnel to experience Norwegian and Swedish cultures. These interactions are essential for building the trust and cooperation needed for effective collaboration in any future joint missions.
"It was great coming out," said Walker. "We don’t get to do a lot of training with our NATO partners due to our geographical separation, so it was a really awesome opportunity."
Walker stated that the visit underscored the commitment of the U.S. and its allies to maintain readiness and enhance their collective defense capabilities through continuous training and collaboration. The inclusion of Sweden into NATO along with the joint exercises conducted with the Royal Norwegian Air Force during this visit represent a significant step toward strengthening the alliance and ensuring regional and global security.