Readout of Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command Gen. James B. Hecker visits Poland and Romania Published Feb. 6, 2025 By USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command visited Poland and Romania, Feb 4 – 5, 2025, to discuss various defense issues including regional security dynamics and recent airspace incursions. In Poland, Hecker met with senior leaders of the Polish Armed Forces, including Inspector of the Air Force Maj. Gen. pilot Nowak Ireneusz, to discuss the U.S.-Poland Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The EDCA enhances security cooperation and the long-standing defense partnership between the U.S. and Poland. He also visited various operational sites where he reinforced exercising Agile Combat Employment (ACE), refining tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve military readiness, tactical proficiency, and interoperability among the Allied air forces on NATO’s Eastern flank. In Romania, Hecker was hosted by Lt. Gen. Leonard-Gabriel Baraboi, chief of the Romanian Air Force. Hecker then toured the Romanian Air Force 90th Airlift Base near Bucharest, and the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) at the 86th Fetesti Air Base. He also met with Chief of the Romanian General Staff, Gen. Gheorghiță Vlad. Both Poland and Romanian air forces are integrating significant capabilities in support of NATO’s collective defense, including Integrated Air & Missile Defense (IAMD) and their forthcoming fifth generation F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. Throughout the trip, Hecker thanked both Allies for their steadfast commitment to peace and security in Europe.