Ramstein allies with Poland to become sister wings, build partnership

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amanda Dick
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POWIDZ AIR BASE, Poland (AFNS) --  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 the signing of the letter of intention by Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon, the 86th Airlift Wing commander and Polish air force Brig. Gen. Tadeusz Mikutel, the 3rd AW commander.

"I want to thank General Mikutel for his leadership, vision and hospitality as we continue to build on the partnership between Powidz and Ramstein air bases ... indeed between our two nations' Air Forces," said General Dillon.

Before the ceremony, General Mikutel; Polish air force Lt. Col. Mieczyslaw Gaudyn, the 3rd AW deputy commander of operations; and Maj. Marek Kruk, the 3rd AW commander of maintenance, explained the structure and tasks of the 3rd AW and the process of training within the wing for General Dillon.

"We really appreciate the cooperation with Ramstein," General Mikutel said. "And, we are looking forward to expanding that cooperation."

As the Polish officers relayed the great work they are doing, General Dillon took time to applaud their efforts.

"It's fantastic what you guys are doing here," he said. "It makes sister wing partnership even more exciting."

General Mikutel also showcased areas of the base, to General Dillon, including some of the aircraft and a newly built hangar for C-130 maintenance. Once there, each commander thanked one another for their partnership.

"As we share tactics, techniques and procedures between our Air Forces, we can continue to capture best practices and improve our operational skills," General Dillon said. "As iron sharpens iron, Airmen from Powidz and Ramstein will sharpen one another, learn from one another and build on a relationship that began many years ago."

The 86th AW provides airlift, expeditionary combat support, full-spectrum airfield operations and base services for the Kaiserslautern Military Community.

The 3rd AW was formed in April 2007. Its purpose is to organize and supervise air transport and airdrop, as well as medical evacuations and peacetime search and rescue.