Ramstein airlift squadron kicks off exercise in Romania
By Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs / Published May 13, 2016
OTOPENI AIR BASE, Romania (AFNS) --
The 37th Airlift Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, kicked off exercise Carpathian Summer 2016 on May 9 at Otopeni AB.
The 11-day, off-station training is a bilateral exercise to enhance interoperability and readiness with Romania by conducting combined air operations.
According to 1st Lt. Mark Alpert, the 37th AS executive officer, the exercise demonstrates the U.S. commitment and close cooperation with NATO partners.
“We have a lot to learn from each other,” Alpert said. “We have a great relationship with the Romanians and have been working with them since 1996. It’s been beneficial for both of our armed forces.”
About 80 personnel from the 37th AS and three C-130J Super Hercules are participating in the exercise.
Airmen will be improving their training in areas such as high-quality threats, unimproved-landing zone qualifications and more.
According to Airman 1st Class Daniel Ehrsam, a 86th Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster, the opportunities gained through the exercise are invaluable.
“I’ve had an amazing time so far,” Ehrsam said. “It’s been an interesting process working in a different environment than usual. I think I’ve learned more about my job here and I’m excited to bring this experience with me back to Ramstein.”