At a ceremony Dec. 1 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, 3rd Air Force was reactivated and Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr was appointed commander. The numbered Air Force will plan combat and humanitarian operations in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe area of responsibility, which includes Europe and Africa. (U.S. Air Force illustration/Mike Carabajal)
With the inactivation of 16th Air Force and the reactivation of 3rd Air Force, Maj. Gen. Paul J. Fletcher (right), 16th Air Force commander, relinquishes command, passing the 16th AF flag to Gen. William T. Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, during the reactivation ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Dec. 1. The responsibilities of 16th AF will be assumed by 3rd AF. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Megan M. Carrico)
Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr. speaks after being appointed commander of 3rd Air Force. The numbered Air Force was reactivated Dec. 1 during a ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Megan M. Carrico)
by Staff Sgt. Chad Padgett
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
12/1/2006 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- The 3rd Air Force was reactivated today during a ceremony here. Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr. took command. General Bishop has been vice commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe.
"My last three job titles have begun with deputy, assistant or vice. I am personally delighted and humbled to be here this morning with that modifier gone," General Bishop said during the ceremony.
The reactivated 3rd AF, which has more than 1,400 members, includes the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center, the 603rd Support Group, the 4th Air Support Operations Group and former members of 16th Air Force, which inactivated today.
The numbered Air Force will plan combat and humanitarian operations in the USAFE area of responsibility, which includes Europe and Africa, and it also will conduct day-to-day operations for USAFE and European Command to organize, train and equip Airmen for the functions they could be called upon to accomplish around the world.
"We'll be busy planning and exercising to be able to respond to a conflict or a humanitarian mission in this part of the world," General Bishop said. "And one of the additional things that also will be on our plate is for the headquarters to plan and train in order to be able to lead a joint task force."
While 16th AF inactivated today, it will continue to exist through the 16th Air Expeditionary Task Force at Izmir Air Base, Turkey. This allows the Air Force to continue the proud legacy and service of both the 3rd and 16th Air Forces.
Maj. Gen. Marc Rogers will take General Bishop's place as the USAFE vice commander.
