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News | Aug. 2, 2016

DLA Energy Europe & Africa fuels joint U.S., Bulgarian ‘Thracian Summer 2016’ deployment

By Ronald Inman

Defense Logistics Agency Energy Europe & Africa provided key support to Thracian Summer 2016, a U.S. Air Force field training deployment to the nation of Bulgaria, July 9 – 22.

DLA Energy Europe & Africa coordinated the procurement of 1.5 million gallons of Jet A-1 fuel in support of more than 100 personnel and three U.S. aircraft which flew more than 50 sorties out of Bulgaria’s Plovdiv Airport in order to provide airdrops of equipment and personnel. One Bulgarian aircraft also participated, airdropping 600 Bulgarian personnel in support of the exercise.

Thracian Summer 2016 was part of the U.S. Air Force’s FY16 Developing Country Combined Exercise Program with Bulgaria, aimed at enhancing both countries’ ability to work together with other nations and key regional partners on regional security and potential future operations in support of global contingency operations.

"It's nice to see the results of our coordination efforts, and the fact that what we do helped to strengthen relationships with our allies and partners to ensure a safe and secure European theater [is very rewarding],” said Todd McDowell, DLA Energy Europe & Africa Operations Center chief.

More than 3,000 training objectives were accomplished during Thracian Summer 2016.

DLA Energy Europe & Africa provides comprehensive energy solutions to the U.S. European Command and U.S Africa Command areas of responsibility. The office serves as the theater item manager for bulk fuel distribution and storage in Europe and Africa, as well as additional forces supported by DLA Energy Europe & Africa to include NATO, former Soviet Bloc nations and most forces operating in the former Yugoslavia, including those operating under the auspices of the United Nations.