News

NATO Air Policing operations — U.S. Air Force News

July 29, 2025
Top enlisted leader of the Air Force tackles DoD priorities at Ramstein AB

CMSAF David A. Flosi engaged with Airmen at Ramstein Air Base to discuss how they are advancing Department of Defense priorities.
April 18, 2025
Around the Air Force: Top Enlisted Leaders Testify, Space Force International Partnerships, and Exercise Combat Archer

In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the CMSAF and CMSSF testify in Congress on military quality of life, CSO Gen. Chance Saltzman gives insights into a new International Partnership Strategy, and USAFE-AFAFRICA holds its largest air-to-air WSEP exercise.
April 4, 2025
US, French forces conduct joint parachuting exercise in Djibouti

U.S. Pararescuemen and French paratroopers conducted a three-day parachuting exercise in Djibouti, strengthening their partnership and demonstrating NATO interoperability.
Dec. 6, 2024
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Oct. 18, 2024
Around the Air Force: Overseas Absentee Ballots, TRICARE Changes for 2025, BLUE: An Agile Approach

In this week’s look around the Air Force, overseas service members can send absentee ballots free, new TRICARE contracts impact referrals and specialty care, and the newest issue of BLUE on the Airman Magazine website explores the shift to ACE.
Sept. 24, 2024
NATO allied medics participate in European Role 1 Development week

The USAFE-AFAFRICA Office of the Command Surgeon hosted European Role 1 Development week, a medical engagement with NATO and allied partners at Ramstein Air Base.
Sept. 10, 2024
AMC welcomes new commander

CSAF Gen. David W. Allvin presided over the event as Gen. John D. Lamontagne assumed command from Gen. Michael A. Minihan, who is retiring after 34 years of service.
Aug. 6, 2024
US completes withdrawal from AB 201

The Air Base 201 turnover is a significant milestone in the U.S. military withdrawal from Niger and was a byproduct of effective cooperation and communication between both nations.
June 10, 2024
USAFE hosts first basic fighter maneuver exercise at Ramstein AB

During the exercise, aviators engaged in a friendly match of basic fighter maneuvers to test their rapid decision-making and precise reactions to adversary maneuvers in a high-pressure, demanding setting – an essential skill for fighter pilots.
April 24, 2024
Project Arc: Delivering tailored innovations to 435th AGOW warfighters

A Project Arc team integrated with 435th AGOW units and conducted a broad range of technological support and advancements to improve mission accomplishment and solve problems encountered by warfighters in the field.
Feb. 14, 2024
AMC rises to increasing global tension

The panel centered on advancements Air Mobility Command is pursuing in 2024 to account for rising global tensions and strategic competition.
Sept. 7, 2023
USAFE-AFAFRICA demonstrates breakthrough mobile MQ-9A satellite launch, recovery package

The SLR-P offers a compact, "wallet-sized" innovation poised to launch and recover the MQ-9A at strategic theater locations situated in some of the most rugged, remote outposts in Europe.
July 17, 2023
SECAF visits RAF Lakenheath

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited RAF Lakenheath July 13, to meet with 48th Fighter Wing Airmen and get a better look at the mission.
June 14, 2023
Arctic Challenge 2023: Nordic defense requires the F-35’s advanced capabilities

The large-force, live-fly field training exercise emphasizes joint and combined air operations between Nordic allies and partners. This year’s iteration, led by Finland, brings together 13 nations and a NATO coalition to further Arctic security initiatives.
June 11, 2023
24 nations unite at Military Nursing Exchange to enhance USAFE-AFAFRICA partnerships, readiness

The conference featured talks from various international medical professionals, centered on this year’s theme, ‘Military Medics: Optimizing Partnerships and Readiness.’
May 14, 2023
US Air Force F-22 Raptors deter aggression over Baltic skies

U.S. Air Force fifth-generation fighters supporting NATO Allied Air Command’s Air Shielding mission along the Eastern Flank executed an ACE deployment to Ämari Air Base, Estonia, to deter aggression in the Baltic Sea region.
May 9, 2023
FY22 DAF Safety Awards released

The FY22 Department of the Air Force Safety Awards Program provides organizations, teams, and individuals the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work, enhanced performance, accomplishments, and feats in safety.
Feb. 11, 2023
European theater CSELs participate in Nordic regional engagement

The two-week engagement provided a platform for the CSELs to discuss Agile Combat Employment across the Nordic nations, explore multinational, professional military education exchange opportunities and discuss the operational environment in the High North.
Nov. 30, 2022
555th Fighter Squadron participates in multigenerational airpower exercise Falcon Strike 22

Falcon Strike 22 was designed to test and improve the ability of NATO nations to conduct multinational offensive and defensive air operations that integrate fourth and fifth-generation airpower.
Nov. 1, 2022
COMUSAFE attends Africa Air Force Forum in Senegal

The commander of USAFE spoke at the 2022 Africa Air Force Forum, which was the first iteration of the event.
Oct. 28, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Sept. 9, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Sept. 7, 2022
52nd FW first in AF to upgrade F-16s with AESA radar systems

The AESA upgrade provides F-16s enhancement in combat capabilities, improving pilot effectiveness, air defenses and overall aircraft survivability when faced by enemy forces.
June 3, 2022
Keeping our NATO allies strong: TACP specialists save Polish boy

TACP specialists from the 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron saved the life of a Polish boy.
Jan. 14, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Nov. 10, 2021
US, Bulgarian air forces share best practices in Operation Castle Forge

These short-notice forward deployments demonstrate the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment, a strategy that leverages strong teamwork with allies and partners to generate air power anytime, anywhere.
Oct. 26, 2021
Reservists deliver agile airpower during Castle Forge

The flight is part of Castle Forge, an ongoing U.S.-led operation in the Black Sea region. Its purpose is to test the partnerships and interoperability that make Agile Combat Employment possible.
Sept. 27, 2021
OSI ‘surge’ pivotal to historic Afghan evacuation mission

In the span of 24 hours, Ramstein Air Base, Germany and Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, transformed into the United States’ two primary evacuation hubs for Operation Allies Refuge, supporting the most expansive humanitarian airlift in the history of the U.S.
Sept. 21, 2021
PACAF commander talks ACE at AFA Air, Space, Cyber Conference

The panel consisted of Wilsbach, Gen. Jeffery Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, and Lt. Gen. James Slife, Air Force Special Operations Command commander.
Sept. 16, 2021
COMUSAFE hosts Arctic Air Chiefs Symposium

The conference hosted senior defense representatives from seven of the eight Arctic nations, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the U.S. to discuss a variety of Arctic-focused campaigns and initiatives.
Aug. 9, 2021
US-Israeli training builds capabilities, partnerships, readiness

Army and Air Force civil engineers recently partnered with Israeli Air Force engineers to successfully test new airfield damage repair technologies in Israel.
July 29, 2021
US, Israel conclude Juniper Falcon 21-2

In support of long-standing, bilateral agreements, military members from the U.S. European Command and the Israel Defense Forces held exercise Juniper Falcon 21-2 at various locations in Israel, July 23-28.
July 19, 2021
Brown emphasizes imperative to modernize with allies in first Europe trip as CSAF

Brown took the opportunity to discuss the value of airpower not just for U.S. national security interests, but as a strategic and critical partner in the European theater.
June 2, 2021
Arctic Challenge Exercise 21: Strengthening Nordic Relationships

During the exercise, U.S., allied and partner nations will exercise the ability to plan, execute and evaluate large force employments in a multinational air operation.
May 10, 2021
AFICC/KU turns innovations into solutions, processes with iHub

The website encourages collaboration and increases shared knowledge between AFICC/KU, USAFE-AFAFRICA contracting squadrons and mission-focused business leaders, or MFBL, to spark innovations. Change agents can use the website as a filter for information to streamline processes or solve issues within
April 27, 2021
NATO partners discuss command and control leading up to AK21

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa hosted the first Command and Control Commanders’ Conference with the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence Center of Excellence at the NATO Missile Firing Installation conference center April 20-21, in Crete, Greece.
April 27, 2021
31st FW, multinational allies conclude INIOCHOS 21

The exercise was a Hellenic air force-sponsored operational and tactical level field training exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Tactics Center at Greece’s fighter weapons school. The aim was to enhance combat readiness and fighting capability, while providing participants the opportunity to
April 19, 2021
APORA strengthens rapid response capabilities through partnership, communication

The African Partner Outbreak Response Alliance concluded its tenth annual conference, focusing on global Rapid Response Teams April 13.
March 17, 2021
B-2s land at Lajes Field to join BTF mission

Airmen from the 509th BW will conduct a hot-pit refuel of the B-2s and a crew swap with engines running before the aircraft return to the sky to continue the mission.
Feb. 26, 2021
Accelerating Change Across Air Force in wheelhouse for AETC team

The “Accelerating Change Across the Air Force,” panel focused on how the Air Force is executing Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr.’s action orders to challenge the status quo and make necessary changes in the Air Force today, so that it is are ready for tomorrow.
Jan. 17, 2021
48th FW conducts ACE exercise

Four F-15E Strike Eagles and a 14-Airmen maintenance team with limited support equipment participated in a simulated deployment to a forward-operating base on the north side of the RAF Lakenheath airfield.
Dec. 26, 2020
Always Ready: 86th AES executes NPC-L training mission

The 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron held a COVID-19 patient movement training using the Negatively Pressurized Conex-Lite at Ramstein Air Base, Dec. 14-18.
Nov. 29, 2020
AFAFRICA, African partner nations meet virtually to discuss future interoperability

The EAPF was created to bring together air chiefs from African countries to make tangible advances toward regional security objectives. In the past, the APF event was coordinated with a large group of action officers from participating African partner nations.
July 8, 2020
Spangdahlem AB hosts USAFE large force exercise

The exercise focused on aircrew integration of multiple platforms to enhance readiness and increase proficiency needed to maintain a ready force to ensure the collective defense of the NATO alliance.
June 25, 2020
86th VRS partners with Army to expedite repairs

The 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron works hard to respond to maintenance needs to get vehicles back on the road as quickly as possible. Sometimes, however, the automotive parts needed for a repair are not as readily available through standard Air Force sourcing routes.
June 8, 2020
Air Force international health specialists bring experience to pandemic response

The Ninth Air Force-led Task Force-Southeast provided defense support of civil authorities within Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, regions III and IV. The task force’s largest mission was delivering support to a COVID-19 alternate care site set up at Temple University in Philadelphia
June 4, 2020
USAFE-AFAFRICA conducts first large-force exercise amidst COVID-19

The purpose of the exercise was to continue high-end training with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO partners to counter near-peer threats in the area of responsibility.
May 28, 2020
EUCOM theater bands start virtual after-school program for DoDEA students

In total, 33 service members from three EUCOM theater bands conducted a total of 98 classes for over 300 students from 30 schools in seven countries.
April 16, 2020
AFIMSC geospatial tools help commanders manage COVID-19 risk

Geospatial tools developed by the detachment’s GeoBase team are providing commanders with near real-time data detailing the spread of the disease in their areas of responsibility. Commanders are using this capability to make decisions to sustain mission readiness and help mitigate the threat of
March 11, 2020
USAF Stratotankers provide air refueling capabilities for exercise Cold Response 20

Cold Response is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise, with participation from each of Norway’s military services, as well as eight additional NATO allied nations and regional partners. The U.S. Air Force’s KC-135R Stratotankers extend missions by providing aerial refueling for U.S.,
March 9, 2020
Air Force announces 2019 Safety Awards

Maj. Gen. John T. Rauch Jr., Air Force Chief of Safety, recently announced the recipients of the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Safety Awards and the Air Force Chief of Safety Awards for 2019.
Feb. 21, 2020
USAFE, Bosnia and Herzegovina build partnerships through force development

The force development program provides an opportunity for the U.S. Air Force to enhance relations, share ideas and build partnership capability in the region.
Jan. 21, 2020
USAFE-AFAFRICA builds partnership with Malawian air force

Since 2018, the USAFE-AFAFRICA Manpower, Personnel and Services Directorate, Force Development team, has been coming to Malawi to partner with the Malawian air force to provide them with tools to build, sustain and stand up an independent air force.
Jan. 9, 2020
Air Force announces Spark Tank 2020 selectees

Spark Tank also offers Airmen the opportunity to get their ideas in front of key enabling agencies that can share expertise and resources such as funding or personnel for the projects being presented and demonstrate pathways for intrapreneurs to make their initiatives successful.
Dec. 23, 2019
Air Forces Africa establishes Cadre of African Bridge Advisors

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa recently implemented a new program, AFAFRICA Cadre of African Bridge Advisors, across the command aimed at improving the cultural and language gap when operating in Africa.
Dec. 11, 2019
Squadron of the Future: Creating more effective defenders

The 422nd Security Forces Squadron has been selected to undergo a six-month trial in a complete revitalization of the squadron.
Dec. 4, 2019
Kisling NCOA partners with Botswana Air Arm to develop professional curriculum

Since late 2018, the Kisling NCOA has been partnering with the Botswana Air Arm to help stand up their first NCOA.
Nov. 26, 2019
SecAF, CSAF end overseas tour with visit to Ramstein AB

While visiting Ramstein Air Base, Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein met Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing as they presented an array of capabilities to give the
April 16, 2019
Vigorous Warrior 19 ensures readiness, strong partnerships for US Air Force medics

Beginning April 3, approximately 50 Airmen from the 86th Medical Group, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, worked with over 2,500 military personnel from 39 NATO and partner countries to improve interoperability and readiness in a simulated Article 5 combat scenario.
July 27, 2018
Air Force announces 2018 Innkeeper Award winners

The Air Force recently announced the winners of the 2018 Innkeeper Awards for best lodging operations across the service.
April 12, 2018
An opportunity for multilingual Airmen

Do you know one or more foreign languages? You may be eligible for the Language Enabled Airman Program.
Feb. 16, 2018
Ramstein AB welcomes new Ravens

Security forces Airmen from across the Kaiserslautern military community graduated from a Phoenix Raven Qualification Course at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 12, 2018.
Nov. 13, 2017
Ramstein AB Airmen honor U.S. veterans in Belgium

Bad weather did not deter Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, from celebrating Veteran’s Day Nov. 11, 2017, at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial in Belgium. The ethereal curtain of fog and delicate rainfall only added to the poignancy of the ceremony.
Oct. 17, 2017
Nordic Air Chiefs sign letter, develop Arctic Challenge

Defense officials from four Nordic countries signed a letter of intent alongside Gen. Tod D. Wolters, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa commander, Oct. 16, 2017, in a formal acknowledgment that opens doors to the development of a European flag-level exercise.
June 9, 2017
Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers arrive in UK

Two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers joined B-1B Lancers and B-52H Stratofortresses June 9, 2017, to participate in theater bomber assurance and deterrence operations.Three B-52Hs from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and three B-1Bs from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, along with approximately 800
May 16, 2017
Birds of a feather: brother promotes sister via VTC

The video stream stuttered, lagged and occasionally froze, but it ended with Col. Theresa Goodman looking into a webcam and rendering a perfectly clear salute to her brother stationed 5,296 miles away from her location, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Col. Joseph McFall, the 52nd Fighter Wing
March 13, 2017
10,000 and counting; DTC here to serve more re-deployers

The Air Force Deployment Transition Center is continuing to push forth its mission to support the Air Force’s most valuable assets: Airmen.The deployment decompression facility, which recently marked the arrival of its 10,000th redeployer on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, aims to help Airmen coming
Feb. 3, 2017
Around the Air Force: Feb. 3

On this look around the Air Force, three B-2 bombers return to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, after a deployment, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, has begun construction of a next generation 9-1-1 call center, U. S. Air Force in Europe and Air Forces Africa has a new command chief, and February is
July 15, 2016
US forces display technology, military might at Farnborough

U.S. service members engaged with the international aviation technology community July 11 at the Farnborough International Airshow in England.
Sept. 17, 2015
F-15s complete Hungarian deployment

Four F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft and support personnel, assigned to the 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, completed a forward deployment to Kecskemet, Hungary, from Campia Turzii, Romania, Sept. 15.
June 26, 2015
Cody reaches out to USAFE-AFAFRICA Airmen

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody wrapped up his second visit to U.S. Air Forces in Europe-U.S. Air Forces Africa this year, tackling Airmen's questions surrounding changes to the new enlisted evaluation system, promotions, formal training and retirements.
June 22, 2015
James shares priorities with USAFE-AFAFRICA

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James talked with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Airmen and civilians during an all call at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 19.
June 10, 2015
15 nations assemble to improve force development

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa hosted 14 allied and partner nations June 2-4, for the inaugural International Professional Military Development (PMD) Symposium in Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
June 9, 2015
Leaders from 11 nations meet to discuss Arctic security

Military leaders from across Europe and North America met in Reykjavik to discuss security related issues within the Arctic Circle during the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable several weeks ago.
Feb. 17, 2015
African Partnership Flight builds relations, interoperability

Closing ceremonies commenced African Partnership Flight-Djibouti for more than 80 Airmen from six nations Feb. 11, at Djibouti Air Base.
Sept. 15, 2014
Regional challenges, budget effect USAFE/AFAFRICA

Gen. Frank Gorenc, the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa, spoke about the impact of sequestration and some of the current challenges USAFE/AFAFRICA faces on Sept 15, at the Air Force Association Air and Space Symposium here.
Aug. 18, 2014
US, Poland train for humanitarian missions to Iraq

Loadmasters from the U.S. and Poland began training together, Aug. 11, to sharpen the skills necessary to conduct humanitarian missions to Iraq.
Aug. 15, 2014
New rotation takes reigns at Powidz AB, Poland

With a shrill squeal, rubber met road as two C-130J Super Hercules' touched down Aug. 14, at Powidz Air Base, Poland -- their crews ready to begin a flying training deployment in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, or OAR.
July 24, 2014
U.S. Forces display military might at Farnborough

Organizations, businesses and military forces from across the globe gathered in Farnborough, England, to celebrate 100 years of aviation at the Farnborough International Air Show July 14 -20.
June 20, 2014
USAFE Band sets stage for APF Senegal

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe six-person rock band "Afterburner" kicked off African Partnership Flight here June 13, with weekend performances and continues to reach new audiences.The band is in Senegal as part of APF Sengal, a week-long program featuring eight African nations meeting to discuss and
June 16, 2014
African Partnership Flight takes off in Senegal

More than 40 U.S. Air Force Airmen arrived June 16 to participate in African Partnership Flight, co-hosted by Senegal and the U.S.
March 21, 2014
USAFE-AFAFRICA, NATO host 29th Aerospace Medicine Summit

Medical professionals from 16 nations attended the Ramstein Aerospace Medicine Summit and NATO Science and Technology Organization Technical Course here March 10-14.

U.S. Air Force News