NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Ramstein Airmen show C-130 capabilities to Polish military

    As the U.S. and Polish celebrate 90 years of diplomatic relations this year, members of the two countries' air forces strengthened their bonds by way of the C-130 Hercules in late January here. Members of the 86th Airlift Wing from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, visited Powdiz Air Base by way of Warsaw

  • Ramstein Airmen support 15-nation medical training exercise

    Thirty-two members of the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, arrived here Aug. 25 in support of the Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe 2009. More than 600 people representing 15 nations will participate in this year's annual exercise with a focus on

  • Ramstein Airmen support joint airdrop exercise

    Airmen flying a C-130 Hercules from the 37th Airlift Squadron here supported high altitude-low opening airdrop training exercise Aug. 2 near Banja Luka, Bosnia.  Using the HALO technique, a jumper leaves an aircraft at a high altitude and free-falls to a much lower altitude before opening his or her

  • Ramstein Airmen support NASA shuttle launch

    Ramstein Air Base Airmen teamed up with New York Air National Guard members to support NASA's launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis in May here. Members of the 37th Airlift Squadron, 1st Combat Communications Squadron and the Guard's 101st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron loaded rescue cargo into two C-130

  • Ramstein Airmen test new communications systems

    Twenty-eight Airmen and civilians from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, tested new communications systems at the U.S. European Command-sponsored exercise, Combined Endeavor, held April 27 through May 10. The 1st Combat Communications Squadron's team from the 86th Airlift Wing is at the Lager Aulenbach

  • Ramstein Airmen train in Israel

    Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany participated in an exercise Dec. 1 through 10 at Nevatim Air Force Base, Israel to accomplish various training requirements for the C-130J Super Hercules which are not allowed in Germany because of country regulations."Training is hard to achieve in Germany

  • Ramstein Airmen train Iraqis to fly, fix C-130s

    Ramstein Airmen deployed to Iraq to train Iraqis on the C-130 Hercules aircraft -- standing up the first Iraqi airlift squadron under the country’s new regime. A Ramstein pilot, navigator and enlisted maintainers deployed from August through January to train their Iraqi counterparts to fly and

  • Ramstein Airmen train with French air force

    Airmen from the 37th Airlift Squadron participated in Volfa 15-1, an annual, multilateral training event led by the French air force at Orleans - Bricy Air Base, France, Jan. 21.

  • Ramstein Airmen train with Israeli air force

    The 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Contingency Response Group conducted a Flying Training Deployment with the Israeli air force's 103rd Squadron Jan. 27 to Feb. 8 here. The FTD advanced the ability of both American and Israeli air and ground crews to perform in combat operations, as well as

  • Ramstein Airmen train with Romanian counterparts

    More than 80 Airmen from Ramstein participated in exercise Carpathian Spring in Romania April 12 through 21.The exercise was designed for aircrew to receive upgrade training as well as building partnership capacity with Romanians."Sequestration has forced us to be more efficient with our training

  • Ramstein Airmen train with sister wing in Poland

    Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Contingency Response Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, traveled to the 33rd Air Base here Aug. 13 through 19 for combined training with Polish military forces. Operation Screaming Eagle, the weeklong off-site training, aimed at sharing knowledge,

  • Ramstein Airmen transport wounded servicemembers

    Medical Airmen from Germany flew to Iraq Jan. 4 to help protect the lives of wounded servicemembers. The mission of the 791st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Ramstein AB, Germany, provides a lifeline for America's wounded. "We can have them home to definitive medical care in

  • Ramstein Airmen use AFSO 21 for performance reports

    Members of the 86th Airlift Wing recently found ways to reduce performance report processing time by more than 30 days using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century process preparation. A team composed of 19 members from the 86th AW, the 435th Mission Support Squadron Military Personnel

  • Ramstein Airmen, C-130s deliver supplies to Russia

    Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft flew missions into Russia from Ramstein Air Base Aug. 13 delivering firefighting supplies promised by President Barack Obama. Members of the 37th Airlift Squadron here delivered equipment from Army, Air Force, Marine and Navy units throughout the U.S. European

  • Ramstein allies with Poland to become sister wings, build partnership

    Officials from the 86th Airlift Wing formalized their partnership with their Polish sister wing, the 3rd Airlift Wing, during a ceremony here June 21. Along with members of the Polish Air Force, Airmen from the 86th AW and 435th Air Ground Operations Wing from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, attended

  • Ramstein awarded $250,000 for innovation

    Gen. Frank Gorenc, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, presented the 86th Airlift Wing here a $250,000 check and the Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Trophy May 1, for winning the USAFE-AFAFRICA Innovation Madness tournament.

  • Ramstein C-130s participate in NATO airdrop demonstration

    Two C-130 Hercules aircraft from Ramstein Air Base recently participated in a NATO-sponsored Precision Airdrop Capabilities demonstration at the Centre d'Essais Lancement de Missiles at Biscarrosee and at Cazaux Air Base, France. "Over three days we conducted four to six drops a day with different

  • Ramstein continues Algerian relief

    More humanitarian relief supplies were in the sky June 5 as three C-130 Hercules aircraft flew from Ramstein to earthquake-stricken Algeria. This is the second humanitarian mission bringing eight pallets containing more than 6 tons of much-needed supplies to the people in the areas surrounding

  • Ramstein control tower gets facelift

    Ramstein AB air traffic controllers left their 10-story tower in January for a one-story MSN-7 mobile control tower. During the next few weeks, the air traffic control tower will receive approximately $313,000 in upgrades that will transform the 1952 tower. "My pledge is to provide our outstanding

  • Ramstein crew flies with Botswana into Darfur

    Ramstein Airmen flew with a Botswana C-130 Hercules crew to the Darfur region Sept. 23 and 24 to support the African Union peacekeeping mission. Two C-130 crewmembers from the 86th Operations Support Squadron, aerial porters from the 86th Air Mobility Squadron and a force protection specialist from

  • Ramstein displays Berlin Airlift window

    A historic stained glass window from the Rhein-Main Air Base chapel now hangs in the passenger terminal here. The window commemorates the U.S. servicemembers who died during the Berlin Airlift, which lasted from June 1948 through September 1949. The Rhein-Main chapel closed Aug. 2 and the window

  • Ramstein firefighters train in mass casualty exercise

    Firefighters from the 435th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Protection Flight faced billowing smoke and screaming casualties during a mass casualty exercise Feb. 11 at Ramstein Air Base. Fire trucks responded to the scene of a burning warehouse with victims still inside. "It's important we stay

  • Ramstein 'grows' green visitor center

    Members of the 435th Construction and Training Squadron built a new "green" visitor control center here, which opened July 6 at the entrance of the west gate.The new facility houses many initiatives that put it in the running for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The

  • Ramstein hosts 8th CMSAF

    Ramstein Air Base hosted the eighth chief master sergeant of the Air Force for a visit of the base Jan. 25-29. Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Sam E. Parish spoke with more than 700 of the Air Force's newest chiefs and future NCOs during his visit.

  • Ramstein hosts international jump week

    Six countries provided more than 150 paratroopers to participate in International Jump Week hosted by the 435th Contingency Response Group from Aug. 12 - 17 near Ramstein.The paratroopers came from the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.S. Air Force and Army and jumped

  • Ramstein inbound section delivers

    Each year an average of 30,000 packages pass through the Cargo Movement Center's inbound section helping ensure Ramstein Air Base runs smoothly. Nestled on Ramstein's southside is a large warehouse. It is the home of the inbound section and just down the road from Ramstein's flightline. "We touch

  • Ramstein makes history with first sergeant symposium

    More than 120 military members from nine nations took part in the Kaiserslautern Military Community First Sergeant Council's Annual First Sergeant Symposium here Feb. 18 - 21. The symposium featured 10 international attendees for the first time in its history, including representatives from Belgium,

  • Ramstein medics provide humanitarian care

    Securing the health of the thousands of U.S. citizens leaving Lebanon has been placed in the hands of a small group of medical personnel from the 435th Medical Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. "Our people love helping," said Capt. Chris Kurinec, who is serving as the operations officer here. "We

  • Ramstein member becomes first AF civilian to reach 500 APEX milestone

    More than five years ago, Air Force Expeditionary Center officials started Aerial Port Expeditor courses, a program that changed the way loading and unloading operations were conducted throughout the Air Force. Kasper Chevalier, a member of the 721st Aerial Port Squadron here, became the first Air

  • Ramstein members bake goods for local Airmen

    Ramstein Air Base area spouses' organizations joined forces Dec. 11 to bring some holiday joy to servicemembers here.Members of the Ramstein Officer Spouses' Club, Kaiserslautern/Landstuhl Spouses' Association and the Ramstein Enlisted Spouses Association brought sheets full of cookies and baked

  • Ramstein members deliver aid to Georgia

    Ramstein Air Base C-130 Hercules aircrews continue to fly to Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia to deliver crucial humanitarian supplies Aug. 26. Department of Defense officials were asked to support the mission with a joint U.S. military operation that launched with the delivery of pallets of

  • Ramstein NCO captures first sergeant award

    A senior noncommissioned officer assigned to U.S. Air Forces in Europe headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, has earned the 2004 Air Force First Sergeant of the Year Award.Senior Master Sgt. Ricky Price, who works in construction and training, is being recognized for building then teaching the

  • Ramstein officials celebrate Air Force Family Week

    Ramstein Air Base officials held numerous events inviting active-duty, Guard and Reserve members as well as spouse and civilian employees to see firsthand some of the services available to them at the base's Airman and Family Readiness Center as part of Air Force Family Week Nov. 4 here. This year

  • Ramstein passenger services aids displaced U.S. citizens

    Shortly after 2 a.m. today, the senior 435th Air Base Wing representative at the base passenger terminal surveyed the scene before him -- more than 200 Americans displaced from Lebanon were stretched across seats, the floor and cots as they awaited transportation back to the United States.Then he

  • Ramstein passenger terminal streamlines operation

    As part of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, the passenger terminal here has made life easier for passengers and other customers. "Now we've mirrored ... a commercial airport," said Staff Sgt. Kristopher Worcester, who works at the 723rd Air Mobility Squadron and helped implement the

  • Ramstein pilot receives Cheney Award

    A C-130E Hercules instructor pilot was presented the Cheney Award by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz Oct. 8 for his leadership in planning humanitarian aid missions to the country of Georgia.The Cheney Award is presented each year to a service member who demonstrates an act of valor,

  • Ramstein planes, Airmen depart for Darfur mission

    Three C-130 Hercules from the 86th Airlift Wing and about 40 Airmen here left July 16 for Kigali, Rwanda, to begin a monthlong airlift mission to the Darfur region of Sudan. The mission is part of NATO’s response to support the African Union’s expanded peacekeeping mission in Darfur with logistics

  • Ramstein prop shop keeps blades turning

    The C-130 Hercules plays a role in many of the most versatile missions in the Air Force, such as relief efforts and combat operations. With the high operations tempo in Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, maintenance is key to keep the missions going. The 86th Maintenance Squadron's C-130

  • Ramstein receives first upgraded C-130

    Bigger, faster, stronger. That is what the Air Force has in mind with its new J model C-130 Hercules aircraft, unveiled at Ramstein Nov. 9, and meant to replace the C-130E. With an extended cargo bay and added features, the C-130J is set to attack and execute any mission set in front of it,

  • Ramstein Reservist helps injured troops get home

    "Home for the holidays" is a familiar goal for many military people, but not Tech. Sgt. Katheryn Bicker. This Reservist from the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, Ariz., is forgoing her own holidays to help others in what she feels is the true spirit of the season. "I don't think about it being

  • Ramstein security forces honor fallen comrades

    Security forces Airmen assigned here gathered in formation on the flightline May 16 to honor their fallen brethren. The ceremony known as "The Final Guard Mount," is held in conjunction with National Police Week to remember four security forces members who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the

  • Ramstein team aids peacekeeping mission in Darfur

    Ramstein Airmen flew with a Botswana C-130 aircrew to the Darfur region Sept. 23 and 24 to support the African Union peacekeeping mission. Two C-130 Hercules crewmembers from the 86th Operations Support Squadron, aerial port Airmen from the 86th Air Mobility Squadron, and a force protection

  • Ramstein team gives planners Eagle Vision

    The availability of accurate imagery is critical when planning an operational mission. The responsibility to provide this vital information to those mission planners resides in the capable hands of eight members of an Air Force team here dubbed, "Eagle Vision-1." The vision for the program came

  • Ramstein team takes on Little League World Series again

    The 11- and 12-year-old Kaiserslautern Military Community All-Star team will make its second consecutive trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., after winning the Europe Region Tournament Aug. 3. This is the sixth time a team from Ramstein Air Base has earned a spot in the

  • Ramstein units step up to help military families leaving Turkey

    An ordered departure for U.S. military family members to leave Turkey due to security concerns March 29, resulted in many of them traveling through Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Members of the Kaiserslautern military community, including Ramstein personnel, pitched in to assist fellow military

  • Ramstein welcomes new J-model C-130

    Ramstein's first J-model C-130 Super Hercules aircraft was welcomed by a capacity crowd April 7 during an arrival ceremony here. Tail number 8601, the first of 14 J-models in production for the 86th Airlift Wing, also serves as the first Air Force Super Hercules permanently stationed at an overseas

  • Ramstein wife earns spouse of the year award

    Giving back to the local community is one of the duties that come along with service to one's country. There are some people, like Nicole Bridge, who don’t wear the uniform, but give back in an equally large way. Bridge was recently awarded the 2016 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year award.

  • Ramstein wins CINC Installation Excellence Award

    Brig. Gen. Robert C. Kane, 86th Airlift Wing and Kaiserslautern Military Community commander, announced April 6 that Ramstein won the 2006 Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence, saying the base is "truly the biggest, busiest and best in the U.S. Air Force." “I’ve known it for

  • Ramstein youth wins Air Force video competition

    A U.S. Air Forces in Europe youth was named the Air Force-level winner for his submission to the Year of the Air Force Family video competition April 21.Gen. Roger Brady, the USAFE commander, presented Hunter Koltes, 13, a $2,000 gift check toward the purchase of a new computer and video camera and

  • Ramstein’s transformation edging toward fruition

    Parts of this hectic airlift hub are still under construction as the historic base transforms into the Air Force’s European super base. The work is part of the Department of Defense’s largest ongoing construction project -- a $500 million boon for the base near Kaiserslautern, said Col. Carlos

  • Ramstein's 50-year-old runway gets makeover

    After years of construction on Ramstein's flightline, the end is in sight. First the base got a brand new runway, now construction crews are working on the last segment of a year-long make over to Ramstein's old north runway. "About a year ago we started construction," says Capt. David Vanderburg,

  • Ramstein's north airstrip receives makeover

    The north runway here is under a nearly $20 million, three-phase construction plan that will extend it 1,000 feet and allow heavier air transports to take off fully loaded."Construction started in mid-April and it's one week ahead of the planned completion date of January 1," said Capt. David

  • Rand takes command of AF Global Strike Command

    Gen. Robin Rand took command of Air Force Global Strike Command during a ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, July 28, becoming the newest leader of the organization responsible for the nation's force of ICBMs and nuclear-capable bombers.

  • Randolph Airmen expose at-risk students to today's Air Force

    More than 150 Fox Technical High School ninth and 10th-grade students from inner-city San Antonio visited Randolph Air Force Base Sept. 11 to learn about  positive Air Force career opportunities as part of the Giving Americans Motivational Education for the Real world program. GAMER is the

  • Randolph Airmen pay respects to fallen Soldier

    Hundreds of Airmen, Air Force civilians, and their family members lined both sides of the main street here Oct. 26 to pay their respects to a Soldier killed in Iraq. U.S. Army Spc. Vincent A. Madero, 22, died Oct .17 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated

  • Randolph Airmen urge students to make the right choices

    If experience is the best teacher, some 200 students from a San Antonio middle school learned invaluable lessons last week from a group of Randolph Airmen with personal stories to tell and messages to impart.Dwight Middle School students visited here for the new school year's first session of the

  • Randolph employee earns national award through preservation efforts

    A civilian employee who has long spearheaded efforts to preserve Randolph Air Force Base's architectural heritage is the recipient of a prestigious national award.Scott Shepherd of the 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron, the base's cultural resources manager, earned the Secretary of the Interior Historic

  • Randolph gets its first T-38C

    The first T-38C Talon destined for operations in the 12th Flying Training Wing touched down here Jan. 21 at 10:06 a.m.There were no brass bands or flag-carrying marchers to greet the new arrival. In fact, the small cluster of people waiting on the ramp gave no hint of the importance of the event.

  • Randolph honors World War II veteran

    On the eve of Veterans Day, members of the Randolph Air Force Base community had the opportunity to thank and present the Purple Heart medal to a World War II veteran for wounds he sustained 63 years ago. Former Army Air Forces Cpl. Hilario L. Riojas of Karnes City, Texas, received his Purple Heart

  • Randolph NCO selected as senior enlisted aide of year

    The Air Education and Training commander's aide here was selected as the top senior enlisted aide during a ceremony Oct. 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.Master Sgt. Roy Bowser is the winner of the 2006 Enlisted Aide of the Year Award for the Senior-Aide Category. Sergeant Bowser is an enlisted

  • Randolph officer found guilty in court-martial

    An Air Force officer was tried and found guilty in a general court-martial at the Randolph Air Force Base federal courtroom at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 9. Lt. Col. Christopher T. Kugel was charged with dereliction of duty and conduct unbecoming an officer after he admitted to having affairs with several

  • Randolph remembers Doolittle Raid’s impact on WWII

    The Doolittle Raiders were honored at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, April 18 during a ceremony marking the 74th anniversary of their Tokyo raid during World War II. Retired Lt. Col. Dick Cole, a co-pilot in Doolittle’s bomber and one of two surviving Raiders, was in attendance and recalled

  • Randolph to save money by planting perennials

    To anyone who has ever visited Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, it should be clear why the location is often called, "the Showplace of the Air Force." With unique architecture like building 100, nicknamed the "Taj Mahal," the flags that line Harmon Drive and outstanding landscaping are just a few

  • Randolph, Civil Air Patrol kick off new support program

    A new pilot program between the Air Force and Civil Air Patrol officials is set to kick off with a meeting and orientation tour Jan. 28 at Randolph Air Force Base. "The new program called Volunteer Support to the Air Force will provide greater opportunities for citizens through the CAP while

  • Random act of kindness rewarded

    Darby Hill, whose drawing of the American flag and the words "Thank you" inspired Virginia Air National Guard's 192nd Fighter Wing in the weeks following the attacks of Sept. 11, was honored Sept. 6 by the unit at its headquarters in Richmond, Va.Dropped off at the gate days after the terrorist

  • RAPCON Airmen control sky over Iraq

    Since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, coalition forces have controlled the air space over Iraq. The 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron's radar approach control flight here is responsible for nearly 35,000 square miles of that air space. It makes up one of three area control

  • Rapid acquisition, training team helps secure Iraqi elections

    An Electronic Systems Center rapid acquisition project helped ensure recent Iraqi elections were conducted peaceably. ESC officials provided 600 all-weather, fully stabilized metal detectors that were used at polling venues across Iraq, and center officials also provided three members of a

  • Rapid Antarctic airlift saves lives

    Just after completing the final flight of the Southern Hemisphere winter Antarctic season, the 304th Expeditionary Air Squadron was alerted there was a medical emergency at the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station Aug. 25.

  • Rapid Global Mobility ... Delivery on demand

    American power can be projected quickly to anywhere on the face of the earth as a result of the Air Force’s capability for rapid mobility. The Air Force’s 122,000 air mobility Airmen provide swift deployment and the ability to sustain operations by delivering essential equipment and personnel for

  • Rapid prototyping speeds up design assessment

    The Air Force Research Laboratory has developed a new rapid way to test wind tunnel designs. Traditional wind tunnel models are meticulously machined from metal in a process that can take several months. While very precise, the manufacturing process is too slow to assess a new design's feasibility

  • Raptor advances to next phase of acquisition

    The F/A-22 Raptor recently finished avionics engineering manufacturing development testing here and surpassed 2,592 flight hours, pushing the aircraft one step closer to taking its place as the premier weapon system of the U.S. Air Force."This mission-avionics testing tied in system effectiveness,

  • Raptor completes operational refueling flight first

    Airmen from the 18th Air Refueling Squadron here took part in the first operational aerial refueling mission for the F-22A Raptor Jan. 21 in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The F-22A Raptor was declared operational by the Air Force Dec. 15. It is the newest fighter aircraft for the Air Force,

  • Raptor continuing Air Force's air superiority record

    With air dominance training under way here, the Air Force's newest asset, the F/A-22 Raptor, is proving its worth every day as it nears initial operational capability.The Raptor will eventually replace the F-15 Eagle, an aircraft with an undefeated 104-0 combat record, according to Brig. Gen. Larry

  • Raptor crashes at Nellis

    An Air Force F/A-22 Raptor crashed on takeoff here Dec. 20. The pilot ejected successfully and was taken to the base hospital for evaluation.The pilot and aircraft are assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron here.

  • Raptor crews practice drive-through refueling

    Now that the F-22 Raptor arrival ceremonies are over and the anticipation of the arrival has subsided, Airmen here are on an aggressive training schedule to prepare them for combat operations. As part of that training, members of the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 49th Logistics Readiness

  • Raptor drops first bomb

    “Weapon’s away.” Those two words from Lt. Col. Jim Hecker put the 27th Fighter Squadron into the record books. The squadron commander dropped the first bomb -- a 1000-pound global positioning system-guided joint direct attack munition -- from an F/A-22 Raptor Oct. 18. Eight more bombs followed

  • Raptor important tool in maintaining air dominance

    Critics of the F/A-22 Raptor claim the aircraft is a "Cold War weapons system," but the Air Force chief of staff said it is a critical tool in maintaining air dominance."The Cold War ended, but the airplanes that were built to fight in the Cold War are still in production and have been delivered

  • Raptor maintenance training 'ramps' up at Sheppard

    The world of F-22 Raptor maintenance is becoming as high-tech as the sophisticated fighter itself. Because of new equipment called Portable Maintenance Aids,  or PMAs, maintainers here have vastly improved capabilities over past procedures and the initial skills training will reflect this advanced

  • Raptor meets new challenges, expands capabilities

    For the men and women taking care of the Air Force's newest and most lethal fighter aircraft, the F-22A Raptor, firsts seem to be a common occurrence. Along with milestones by the 27th and 94th Fighter Squadrons have come new challenges in places such as Alaska, Utah and Florida that have left

  • Raptor pilot training on Air Force birthday

    Capt. Daniel Arkema will be flying the Air Force's newest fighter on the service's birthday -- not eating cake and ice cream and drinking punch. Instead, like for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war --

  • Raptor program still flies

    Air Force officials said they will continue with the F/A-22 Raptor program. Fervor over the Army's cancellation of the $6.9 billion Comanche helicopter program Feb. 23 raised questions about the future of the Air Force's F/A-22, said the director of Air Force combat force capability requirements.