Ramstein Airmen welcome international partners for NATO exercise Published Sept. 4, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Travis Edwards 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- The 86th Airlift Wing opened its flightline to Air National Guard C-130 Hercules from six states and U.S. Transportation Command C-17 Globemaster IIIs Aug. 31, to support an international, allied exercise.Exercise Steadfast Javelin II features a number of dynamic events designed to challenge multi-national forces in airborne operations, conventional warfare scenarios as well stability and defensive operations, and support of civil authorities operations.A few of Ramstein Air Base's C-130J Super Hercules are participating in the exercise by facilitating personnel and equipment air drops in support of airfield seizure to reinforce the U.S. commitment to the peace and security of Europe."We're really excited to be working with our Army brothers and allied partners during this exercise," said Capt. Scott Vander Ploeg, the 37th Airlift Squadron flight commander and a C-130J instructor pilot. "It is also important to recognize our gracious German hosts; it is because of their support that we are able to practice our multi-national, strategic airlift capabilities here at Ramstein Air Base."The exercise features participation from 16 nations, with more than 5,800 personnel. Steadfast Javelin II is designed to prepare U.S. and multi-national service members for decisive and sustainable land operations through simultaneous combination of offensive, defensive and stability operations and on interoperability with partner nations.Multi-national partners participating in this exercise include the following NATO allies: Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, United Kingdom, and the U.S.; and the following NATO Partnership for Peace nations: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Sweden.The exercise is scheduled to continue through Sept. 11.