Supreme Allied Commander Europe visits USAFE forces

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. J.D. Griffin
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) --  The commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe met the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe here to discuss USAFE's vital role in accomplishing the EUCOM mission Nov. 10 at Ramstein Air Base.

"The Airmen of USAFE are essential to providing deterrence from aggression in the region, reassuring our allies and partners of U.S. commitments, and building partnership capacity," Navy Adm. James Stavridis said.

In fiscal 2009, USAFE members contributed to regional stability by coordinating with European partners for 14 major training and exercise events in more than a dozen countries.

"What's really important is connecting what building partnership capacity offers the coalition downrange," Gen. Roger A. Brady said. "What we and our partners train to do here translates into capability and interoperability downrange."

One example of building partnership capacity is the support USAFE Airmen give to the recently established Heavy Airlift Wing at Papa Air Base, Hungary. The wing is comprised of 12 nations that joined together for the purchase and operation of three new C-17s. This first-of-its-kind unit provides the only strategic airlift capability to many of the member nations.

General Brady also noted that the EUCOM mission continually receives support through USAFE's lines of operation: providing combat forces to U.S. Central Command operations, maintaining key mobility hubs in Europe and access to the continent in support of U.S. and NATO objectives, assuring allies of U.S. resolve in Europe and providing deterrent combat air power in support of NATO, and building capability and interoperability of NATO and coalition partners.

Another topic of discussion between the commanders was caring for the military family.

"My family was stationed overseas when I was a child so I understand the challenges," Admiral Stavridis said. "It's important for commanders to address quality of life issues in family and single servicemembers' housing, as well as education for our children's future."

USAFE leaders are demonstrating its commitment to these same principles by promoting the "Year of the Air Force Family" initiative that highlights programs in health and wellness, education, development and employment, and Airman and family housing.