State Secretaries from NORDEFCO, Nordic Defense Cooperation, visit Arctic Challenge Exercise 2019 at Kallax Air Base, Sweden, May 24, 2019 and receive an up close brief on the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon by Col. Michael Rose, commander of the 169th Operations Group from the Air National Guard's 169th Figther Wing, deployed from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. ACE 19 is a Nordic aviation exercise that provides realistic, scenario-based training to prepare forces for enemy defensive systems. Interoperability and combined training during exercises like ACE 19 enhances professional relationships and improves overall coordination with allies and partner militaries. NORDEFCO is a cooperative organization which aims to strengthen member countries' defensive capabilities. Member countries include Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Edward Snyder) More