Command celebrates Air Force's 60th Anniversary

  • Published
  • By Capt. Davina Petermann
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  Airmen, family and friends from throughout the Kaiserslautern Military Community celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the United States Air Force here Aug. 11 with band performances, demonstrations and special guest speakers.

"In addition to celebrating our historical anniversary, this year marks the 60th Anniversary of (the German state of ) Rheinland-Pfalz as well," said Gen. William T. Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander. 

"The support we receive from our Rheinland-Pfalz friends has helped USAFE fulfill its responsibility of defending freedom and democracy," he said. "We could not do this without our German partners."

Special guests included retired Lt. Col. Leo Thorsness, Medal of Honor recipient, and retired Col. Gail Halvorsen, Berlin Airlift Candy Bomber. Both men spoke and signed autographs at the event.

During the Berlin Airlift, Colonel Halvorsen delivered good will and hope to thousands of children by air dropping more than 250,000 parachutes loaded with candy on the city of Berlin.

"Being back in Germany is like a bookend in my life," said Colonel Halvorsen. "When I was here before we were tasked with feeding two million people. The buildings were scarred and damaged. Germany has come a long way and I'm thrilled to be back here to see the progress they've made."

Colonel Thorsness was awarded the Medal of Honor for valor in the Vietnam War for an air engagement on April 19, 1967. He was shot down two weeks later and spent six years in captivity as a prisoner of war.

"You don't appreciate freedom as much until you've had it and then it's been taken away from you," he said. Even if you've had it taken away, it's better than never knowing it."

"The Air Force's first real test after our formation came during the long ensuing cold war that shaped the world for decades to come," General Hobbins said. "The Berlin Airlift saved the city's beleaguered citizens from a communist chokehold. It was the first major test of the free world's will to resist soviet aggression and was arguably air power's single most decisive contribution to the Cold War. Colonel Halvorsen's efforts became the symbol of the Berlin Airlift for Germans and Americans alike.

"Throughout the 60-year history of the Air Force, Americans have stood in awe as Airmen pushed the limits of technology and courage," General Hobbins said. "Airmen have extended the range, scope and nature of air missions beyond what anyone could have imagined when the Air Force was first created in 1947. Airmen have shown great courage under fire, like Medal of Honor recipient Col. Leo Thorsness. They have sacrificed and put themselves at risk to protect their wingmen and help ensure freedom's future."

The celebration was a mix of old and new. People wore historical Air Force uniforms; a C-47 static display was on the same ramp as an F-15 Eagle and U.S.  Army Blackhawk rescue helicopter.

"Based on a foundation of successful expeditionary air power dating back to the days of biplanes constructed of wood and fabric, I am excited about what our Airmen have accomplished, and about the new achievements and new frontiers in store for us in the future," said General Hobbins.

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