A. There are plenty of experienced European operators to recruit. No need for US personnel.
B. They can be maintained in Poland, Romania, etc. Many Eastern Euro countries are already operating F16’s.
So ponder this, say a number of Euro-Weenie nations ship F-16s to Ukraine. Once in Ukraine they become legitimate targets for the Russians. Now, if these F-16s are damaged and sent to say Poland, Romania or any other Euro-Weenie nation for repair, are they still considered Legitimate Targets for the Russians?
What better way to invite WWIII by shipping weapons (used against the Russians) in and out of Euro-Weenie countries and Ukraine. We saw this run away and regenerate strength in North Korea/China, Vietnam/Cambodia, Afghanistan/Pakistan and now potentially being repeated in Europe.
Why would the Russians NOT attack the maintenance depots? They know full well that once fixed, the F-16s will be back in Ukraine and killing Russians? The US is the only country that does not attack safe haven countries. WE have that track record. I’m not so sure the Russians will play by those rules.