A never-ending line of lorries arrive at the Wing's loading bay. The USAFE German logistics officer, Edgar Prison coordinates and itemises which cargo belongs to which truck. Keeping everything in order is a necessity. Everything must be noted and declared.
"There is a lot of paper work. I went back to Germany to prepare all of the return transportation. After that, I came back to Sweden and visited Customs in Haparanda to get all the documents stamped. Everything we brought here, we have to take home", he explains.
Nine lorries with trailers leave F 21 and Luleå daily. In total, 23 lorries complete with trailers will be loaded with equipment from the exercise and driven back to the American base in Spangdahlem, Germany. Though not everything will be transported by road.
"Certain things are sent by air in a C-130 along with personnel", says Edgar Prison.
The personnel who are waiting for air transportation have gathered in the former station building at Luleå airport. Inside it is dark, only a sliver of light from a misty, rainy day seeps through the windows. Nobody bothers to turn on the lights. They just pass the time playing cards, watching films, reading, playing games, talking or sleeping.
"If everything goes to plan, all equipment and personnel should have left Luleå by Thursday", says Sandy Scott, responsible for logistics.