Airmen in Europe propel surge into Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. J.D. Griffin
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) --  Ongoing U.S. Transportation Command surge operations into Afghanistan are being supported by U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen, who are helping push through the increased numbers of deploying combat troops and war-sustaining equipment.

USAFE air bases provide strategic staging locations in Central Europe and possess the required advanced infrastructure to sustain increased operations tempo.

"USAFE air base infrastructure is indispensible for strategic global projection of our forces and medical evacuations," said Col. Marilyn Kott, the deputy director of USAFE Air and Space Operations. "Because of USAFE and Air Mobility Command's forward presence in Germany, AMC aircrews can fly into Afghanistan, offload passengers and cargo, and fly out the same day, opening up ramp space downrange for other aircraft."

Both Ramstein Air Base and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, are particularly critical air mobility hubs for U.S. and NATO throughput activities. Throughput capacity of these bases was increased as part of the transition of the mission of Rhein-Main AFB, Germany, to Ramstein and Spangdahlem air bases. USAFE's realignment decision has significantly benefited the national interests of both Germany and the U.S., by allowing Frankfurt International Airport, Germany, to expand its operations, at the same time giving USAFE state-of-the art air mobility infrastructure at the receiving base.

Support of ongoing TRANSCOM surge operations have required augmentation by USAFE members, and is being filled by several USAFE bases sending Airmen on temporary duty. The Airmen's mission specialties include vehicle operators, fuel specialists, services and aircraft maintenance.

"We're on six-month deployment orders coming (to Ramstein AB), and work 12-hour days just like we would downrange," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Pinner, a 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator. "There are six of us here from Aviano (AB, Italy), and we've dealt with normal deployment challenges like missing births and responding to family emergencies, but we're proud to be a part of this mission."

Surge missions have increased aircraft received, serviced, fueled and launched by USAFE Airmen, in some cases as high as 53 percent more than pre-surge levels.

While surge support is in full swing, USAFE officials continue to deploy Airmen downrange, in addition to accomplishing their assigned duties within the European theater.

"USAFE Airmen are already forward-stationed in the European theater supporting U.S. European Command and other joint operations by providing deterrent combat airpower, building partnership capacity, engaging with our allies and strengthening international partnerships," said Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander. "USAFE is grateful for these partnerships, which are key to USAFE's strategic responsibility and the access afforded by forces forward. This access is a key pillar of U.S. global power and projection. I'm proud of every Airman who has worked hard to ensure our mission success."

By Aug. 31, Air Mobility Command aircraft and crews are expected to have delivered an additional 30,000 troops and associated equipment, fulfilling President Barack Obama's December 2009 order.