U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi met with key NATO allies in Romania to conclude their week-long Standing Watch trip on Dec. 20.
Allvin spoke with Romania's Chief of the Defense Staff Gen. Gheorghiță Vlad and Chief of the Air Force Staff Lt. Gen. Leonard-Gabriel Baraboi in separate engagements.
During these meetings, Allvin offered congratulations on Romania joining the F-35 program last month, conveyed his appreciation for Romania's unwavering support in strengthening NATO's Eastern Flank, and discussed future areas for increased collaboration among the nations' air forces, amongst other topics.
"Romania makes significant contributions to European security through its vital role on NATO's Eastern Flank, support for Ukraine and as host of the first European F-16 training center," Allvin said. "Acquiring the F-35 (Lightning II) will bolster Romania's national security and further strengthen NATO's defense and deterrence capabilities."
Separately, Flosi met with Chief Master Sgt. of the Romanian Air Force Ionuţ Enache to discuss several topics, including professional military education and training opportunities.
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin speaks with Romania's Chief of the Defense Staff Gen. Gheorghiță Vlad, in Romania Dec. 20, 2024. Allvin offered congratulations on Romania's recent ascension to the F-35 program, conveyed his appreciation for Romania's unwavering support in strengthening NATO's Eastern Flank, and discussed future areas for increased collaboration among the two nation's Air Forces, amongst other topics. The visit to Romania was the last stop of Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi's Standing Watch trip, which included numerous stops in both the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command regions. The senior leaders travelled to meet with Airmen who are serving overseas during the holiday season, as well as to engage directly with key allies and partners." (courtesy photo)
The visit to Romania was the last stop of Allvin and Flosi's Standing Watch trip, which included numerous stops in both the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command regions. The senior leaders travelled to meet with Airmen who are serving overseas during the holiday season, as well as to engage directly with key allies and partners.
Prior to departing Romania, Allvin praised the Total Force Airmen serving in the country.
"Working side-by-side with our allies and partners, the Airmen here epitomize the readiness and response capabilities our Air Force is known for worldwide," he said. "They are warriors who are strengthening our interoperability with their Romanian hosts 24/7, 365 days a year, so if the need should arise, we are ready to fight and win together."
