Finland joins NATO

Allied Air Command personnel stand in formation during the flag-raising ceremony marking Finland’s accession to the NATO alliance at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 4, 2023. Allied Air Command works routinely with the Finnish air force during exercises, training events and real-life missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Oiler)
Finnish air force Col. Antti Koskela, senior national representative to Allied Air Command, and Royal Air Force Air Marshal Johnny Stringer, AIRCOM deputy commander, salute the Finnish flag at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 4, 2023. Allied Air Command leadership and staff assembled for a ceremony to celebrate the accession of Finland to the NATO alliance and raise the Finnish flag as a visible sign of the country’s integration to NATO. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Oiler)
Distinguished visitors stand ready for a flag raising ceremony, hosted by Allied Air Command, marking Finland’s accession to the NATO alliance at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 4, 2023. The historic ceremony welcomed Finland as the 31st member of NATO. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Oiler)