US and Norwegian air forces to train in Norway
US and Norwegian air forces will train together from Ørland Air Base, Norway.
Approximately 200 US airmen will arrive at Ørland Air Base in mid-Norway on 1 and 2 February to prepare for joint training between US B-1 and Norwegian fighter aircraft. The B1 aircraft will arrive at a later time. The training will be conducted from Ørland Air Base for a limited time period. The number of aircraft and date and time for arrival will be released at a later stage.
"This is a great opportunity for the Norwegian Armed Forces to train allied reception of this type of aircraft. This form of integrated training with close allies increases the level of ability to operate jointly. The joint training event demonstrates the American commitment to the defence of Europe and Norway", says Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Major General Tonje Skinnarland.
Rigorous COVID-restrictions are put in place, coordinated with local health authorities. 132 Air Wing of the Royal Norwegian Air Force maintains a close and very good dialogue with the local health authorities.
The US soldiers were flown to Ørand military air base in chartered aircraft. They have been in confinement in their home country and they bring a negative COVID-test no older than 30 hours. Upon arrival they will be COVID-tested again. Then they are quarantined for ten days, and tested for the third time towards the end of the quarantine. The quarantine will be conducted in cohorts of maximum two persons in a room with bathroom facilities.
Only after ten days of quarantine, in total three negative tests and after close coordination between the medical officer at 132 Air Wing and the Municipal Doctor the will the airmen be moved to designated barracks off-base. The US airmen will have little contact with the local population to reduce risk of infection.
Press contact
Head of Communications, Norwegian Air Force
Stine Barclay Gaasland
Lieutenant Colonel
Phone: +47 95 74 15 32
Email: sgaasland@mil.no