Eight U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and 150 Airmen assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, executed a rapid deployment to Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria for exercise Thracian Star 21, July 9-22, 2021. Exercise objectives included maximizing interoperability, combat effectiveness and survival awareness while operating in a dynamic high-threat environment. Missions included offensive counter air /defensive counter air, protection of high value assets, and close air support in a contested environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder) More