{"id":7675,"date":"2017-07-28T21:04:08","date_gmt":"2017-07-28T21:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/uncategorized\/2017\/07\/28\/swift-response-a-drop-on-bezmer-airfield\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T17:32:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T17:32:09","slug":"swift-response-a-drop-on-bezmer-airfield","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/gallery\/2017\/07\/28\/swift-response-a-drop-on-bezmer-airfield\/","title":{"rendered":"Swift Response: A drop on Bezmer Airfield"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15466\" data-id=\"15466\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1109-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1109-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1109-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1109-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1109-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1109-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1109-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A C-17 flies over a drop zone at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, at dusk on July 18. Eleven C-130s and two C-17s passed over the airfield, dropping paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team based out of Vicenza, Italy, along with others from Portugal and Canada as part of Swift Response, an exercise within Saber Guardian. (Jed Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15474\" data-id=\"15474\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1113-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1113-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1113-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1113-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1113-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1113-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1113-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The first paratroopers begin to jump from the back of a C-17 into a landing zone at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, to execute an airfield seizure exercise. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15486\" data-id=\"15486\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1105-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1105-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1105-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1105-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1105-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1105-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1105-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Bulgarian soldiers watch as paratroopers drop into the landing zone at sunset. Bulgaria was the lead host of the annual Saber Guardian exercise, which is a U.S. Army-led event that incorporates military activities in Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15492\" data-id=\"15492\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1121-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1121-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1121-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1121-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1121-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1121-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1121-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A pair of paratroopers drifts toward the ground after jumping from a C-130. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15500\" data-id=\"15500\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1126-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1126-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1126-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1126-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1126-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1126-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1126-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Paratroopers collect on the ground at the perimeter of a series of airplane hangars that collectively look like a hobbit shire. The opposition forces, played by Bulgarian soldiers, sporadically fired at the paratroopers. In a real operation, paratroopers would not land directly in front of the enemy, but for the purposes of observing, everything is designed to happen in close proximity. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15507\" data-id=\"15507\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1134-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1134-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1134-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1134-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1134-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1134-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1134-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Paratroopers from the 173rd continue to land in the drop zone as night falls. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15517\" data-id=\"15517\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1137-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1137-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1137-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1137-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1137-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1137-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1137-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Once on the ground, paratroopers waste no time rolling up their chutes and moving out of the drop zone in order to prepare to seize the airfield from enemy forces. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15527\" data-id=\"15527\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1151-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1151-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1151-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1151-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1151-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1151-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1151-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Paratroopers at Swift Response viewed a stunning sunset at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, as the backdrop for their jump. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15542\" data-id=\"15542\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1144-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1144-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1144-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1144-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1144-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1144-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1144-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A C-130 flies overhead as paratroopers begin to jump out. The 13 aircraft used in Swift Response deposited hundreds of paratroopers at Bezmer over the course of roughly an hour. An estimated 1,000 paratroopers participated in Swift Response. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15549\" data-id=\"15549\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1150-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1150-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1150-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1150-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1150-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1150-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1150-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The last of the paratroopers land as a C-130 flies off into the sunset. While there were a dozen injuries that required temporary hospitalization as the result of a jump in Romania, also part of the Saber Guardian exercise, the Bezmer jump had minimal injuries. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15555\" data-id=\"15555\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1158-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1158-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1158-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1158-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1158-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1158-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1158-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A C-17 lands at dawn the morning after paratroopers landed at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, and conducted an airfield seizure, clearing the airfield around 3 a.m. of opposing forces. The C-17 carried two U.S. Army Stryker vehicles to support the operations. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15571\" data-id=\"15571\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1159-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1159-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1159-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1159-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1159-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1159-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1159-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The C-17 carrying the Strykers taxis as the sun rises. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15576\" data-id=\"15576\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1164-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1164-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1164-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1164-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1164-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1164-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1164-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The C-17 prepares to offload a pallet. The process involves the plane increasing the engine throttle and using the forward momentum to eject a pallet out of the back of the aircraft. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15581\" data-id=\"15581\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1167-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1167-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1167-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1167-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1167-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1167-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1167-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The Stryker unit exits the C-17 first, before the vehicles. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15593\" data-id=\"15593\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1170-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1170-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1170-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1170-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1170-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1170-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1170-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A U.S. Stryker drives out of the C-17. The aircraft was holding two vehicles. Another C-17 was not far behind, delivering another two Strykers for the operation. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15605\" data-id=\"15605\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1173-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1173-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1173-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1173-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1173-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1173-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1173-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The first U.S. Stryker moves off the runway after exiting the C-17 and heads over to a refueling area. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15615\" data-id=\"15615\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1182-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1182-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1182-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1182-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1182-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1182-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1182-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A soldier refuels the U.S. Stryker, preparing the vehicle to head over to the seized airfield, where the 173rd awaits support. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15623\" data-id=\"15623\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1185-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1185-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1185-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1185-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1185-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1185-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1185-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A U.S. Stryker unit waits for the Strykers to be refueled before moving out. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15631\" data-id=\"15631\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1196-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1196-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1196-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1196-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1196-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1196-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1196-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Troops in the U.S. Stryker unit discuss the mission ahead once on the ground. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15639\" data-id=\"15639\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1197-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1197-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1197-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1197-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1197-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1197-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1197-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The U.S. Stryker unit listens to instructions before loading and heading over to the airfield. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2848\" height=\"4272\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2606\" data-id=\"2606\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1203-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1203-2.jpg.jpg 2848w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1203-2.jpg.jpg?resize=200,300 200w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1203-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,1152 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1203-2.jpg.jpg?resize=683,1024 683w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1203-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,1536 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1203-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1365,2048 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2848px) 100vw, 2848px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Soldiers prep their communications equipment for the mission at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4272\" height=\"2848\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-15657\" data-id=\"15657\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1209-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1209-2.jpg.jpg 4272w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1209-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1209-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1209-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1209-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1209-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The U.S. Stryker unit piles into the back to join the 173rd at the freshly seized airfield. The unit and the 173rd expected to stay for several more days before being assigned a new mission, possibly an air assault. (Jen Judson\/Staff)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-post-gallery","format":"gallery","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_acf":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":21,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_smg_distribution_targets":[]},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"coauthors":[1817],"class_list":["post-7675","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","hentry","category-gallery","post_format-post-format-gallery"],"acf":{"subheadline":"","legacy_arc_id":"Q4U6O6QAF5H7NGMECLT4C52UYQ","arc_canonical_url":"\/gallery\/2017\/07\/28\/swift-response-a-drop-on-bezmer-airfield\/","remove_feature_photo":false,"is_sponsored":false,"subtype":"","redirect_url":"","disable_inline_ads":false,"native_logo_pretext":"Presented By:"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.0 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Swift Response: A drop on Bezmer Airfield - Marine Corps Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A C-17 flies over a drop zone at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, at dusk on July 18. 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