The F-15E Strike Eagle belonged to the 336th Fighter Squadron, of the 4th Fighter Wing, based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (AFB), North Carolina.
A US Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagle landed safely at Larissa Air Base, central Greece, after experiencing a mishap during NATO exercise Operation Castle Forge.
A US Air Force in Europe (USAFE) spokesperson told Kathimerini that the F-15E of the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Wing, based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (AFB), North Carolina, “lost its canopy over an unpopulated area in the vicinity of Livadi [village].”
The incident took place on Nov. 10, 2021.
“The aircraft landed safely at Larissa Air Base, Greece, and no one was injured. The incident was reported to the Hellenic Air Force and is currently under investigation,” the statement added.
“F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft are currently operating out of Larissa Air Base in support of Castle Forge, US Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa’s premier Agile Combat Employment exercise that brings NATO allies and components together to demonstrate a credible and reassuring presence in the Black Sea region,” the official said.
Castle Forge is a US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA)-led joint, multinational exercise supported by two unique prongs: F-15E Strike Eagle training based in Larissa, Greece, and a major command-wide Agile Combat Employment Initial Operating Capability event with USAFE-AFAFRICA’s eight wings.
The F-15Es spent several days at Larissa Air Base, integrating with F-16 aircraft from the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) for a series of training sorties.
Operation Castle Forge is a theater-wide Agile Combat Employment exercise, focused on shifting forces and the way they operate in a dynamic theater. The objective of Castle Forge is to provide a partnership-focused environment and raise the US commitment to NATO allies in the Black Sea region.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Kimberly Barrera / U.S. Air Force