Features

Ramstein 2022: A year in review

by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Oiler
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
January 6, 2023
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 721st Aerial Port Squadron load a pallet of infant formula onto a C-17 Globemaster lll aircraft assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 22, 2022. The infant formula arrived from Switzerland as part of the U.S. Government’s Operation Fly Formula to rapidly transport infant formula to the United States due to critical shortages there. Under Operation Fly Formula, the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services are authorized to request Department of Defense support to pick up overseas infant formula that meets U.S. health and safety standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)

Each year, Team Ramstein Airmen make a global impact, and 2022 held no exception. The year showcased dedication, innovation, and sacrifice to the mission.

Those qualities led the Department of Defense to name Ramstein Air Base the best installation in the Air Force as the winner of the 2022 Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence.

The award, which has been earned by the base three times since 2006, highlighted the herculean efforts by Ramstein Airmen in the support of critical missions and Operation Allies Refuge in 2021.

“I am proud of what our team members do here each and every day, and I want them to continue to understand how valuable they are to this team,” said Brig. Gen. Otis C. Jones, 86th Airlift Wing commander. “The global gateway mission is only successful thanks to the dedicated efforts of our entire team of Airmen, civilians and host nation partners and their families who meet every challenge head on.”

Airmen assigned to the 435th Contingency Response Group jump out of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron during exercise Agile Wolf 22 at Koszalin, Poland, Sept. 14, 2022. Eleven Airmen from the 435th CRG conducted a airbourne insertion and airfield assessment for follow-on forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)

Ramstein Airmen continued to deliver innovative ways to support the mission throughout 2022 with new programs such as the 86th Maintenance Group, who enhanced their virtual reality training, which enables the multi-capable Airman concept for agile combat employment.

The base also opened a new Airframe and Powerplant Training Facility. The facility is the first of its kind outside of the U.S. and allows eligible service members an opportunity to train and test for airframe and Powerplant certifications from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

Upholding the critical global gateway mission, Team Ramstein continued to sustain vital aid to allied and partner nations throughout 2022.

A 40K Tunner loader moves baggage and supplies onto a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 4, 2022. U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa forces are prepared and strategically positioned to rapidly surge forces into and across the theater in order to support the alliance and defend against any aggression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Thomas Karol)

Russia began their attack on Ukraine early in the year, and Ramstein Airmen provided support to NATO’s Eastern flank.  C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron reinforced our NATO allies and partners for movement of cargo and personnel. The 86th Logistics Readiness Group continues to contribute to the ongoing support of Ukraine.

Ramstein Air Base was selected by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, to host the first Ukraine Defense Consultative Group as the challenges in Ukraine mounted. Austin was joined by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley and ministers of defense and senior military officials from nearly 44 nations who met in April to discuss current and future efforts to provide support for Ukraine.

“We’re all coming away with a transparent and shared understanding of the challenge that the Ukrainians face,” said Austin during a press briefing that followed the conference. “I know that we’re all determined to help Ukraine win today and build strength for tomorrow. The work that we’ve done together in record time has made a huge difference on the battlefield.”

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts the Ukraine Defense Consultative Group with his NATO counterparts and other nations to discuss both the current and future defense needs of Ukraine, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 26, 2002 (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

The world watched as nations came together again at Ramstein as Austin hosted a fifth meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group in September. Austin and Milley met to maintain close coordination between allies and partners furthering the discussion on Ukraine’s security cooperation.

Supporting NATO Allies and partners is second nature to Ramstein Airmen, but this year Ramstein also provided aid closer to home.

Infant formula supplies were critically low in the U.S. and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were authorized to request Department of Defense support to pick up overseas infant formula that met U.S. health and safety standards during Operation Fly Formula.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Josh Griffith, 435th Contingency Response Squadron airborne air traffic controller, secures a visual airfield marking along the landing zone during exercise Agile Wolf 22 at Koszalin, Poland, Sept. 13, 2022. Visual markers are placed along the flightline to show the aircraft where it is safe to touchdown on a landing zone. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)

Both military and civilian aircraft transited through Ramstein Air Base, and with the support of Ramstein Airmen and mission partners, delivered safe overseas infant formula to address critical shortages of formula in the U.S.

There is always something on the horizon at Ramstein that provides an opportunity to add to the base’s reputation, legacy, and heritage. This year was a year of milestones and celebrations.

Both U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the 37th Airlift Squadron, located on Ramstein, celebrated 80th anniversaries, while Ramstein Air Base rang in 70 years.

Throughout the past 70 years, Ramstein has played a central role in airlift operations within Europe, Africa and the Middle East.  Ramstein has hosted more than 120 mission partners and supports the integration and caring for the greater Kaiserslautern Military Community and its 56,000 U.S. service members and their families.

“The mission of Team Ramstein is no-fail and our country, allies, and partners trust us to preserve the global gateway every single day,” said Jones. “Together, we will continue to answer our nations call, prepare for the future fight, and ensure the well-being of our greatest assets, our Airmen and their families.”

Moving into 2023, Team Ramstein will continue to meet the challenges of the global gateway mission and fortify allied and partner nation relationships. Whatever the new year brings, Team Ramstein is ready.

Spouses of 424th Air Base Squadron personnel participate in a fire obstacle at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Airfield-Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Oct. 13, 2022. The obstacle was part of a spouses day held by the 424th ABS in celebration of their 10-year anniversary. The obstacle consisted of a chainsaw lift, tire hammering, fire hose carry, toss and roll in fire protective gear. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons sit parked at Morón Air Base, Spain, April 8,
2022. The F-16’s completed a coronet mission, crossing the Atlantic Ocean
nonstop. A coronet is required when aircraft do not have the fuel capacity to
cross a large body of water and tanker aircraft complete the trip alongside them,
refueling along the way. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. McIlrath)
A U.S. Army Soldier from Panzer Kaserne, Germany, prepares to board a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 25, 2022. Multiple Soldiers from Stuttgart, Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Panzer Kaserne and Fort Bragg, N.C., jumped during a large formation training mission to celebrate the 37 AS’s 80th anniversary. The 37 AS hosted multiple events to celebrate its anniversary including a mass airdrop and static displays including C-130J Super Hercules and a Douglas C-47.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Megan M. Beatty)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Amber Cordova, staff weather officer assigned to the 13th Expeditionary Combat Weather Squadron, collects weather data in Romania, March 6, 2022. 13th ECWS SWOs, assigned to the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, integrate with U.S. Army units to provide timely weather updates in support of NATO and partner operations. (U.S Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Wongwai)
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – Nine C-130J Super Hercules aircraft taxi into formation during the 37th Airlift Squadron’s 80th anniversary at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 25, 2022. Founded as the 37th Transport Squadron in 1942, the 37 AS has played a role in almost every major operation involving the U.S. and its allies since World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow)
Nine C-130J Super Hercules fly in formation during the 37th Airlift Squadron’s 80th anniversary at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 25, 2022. The celebration consisted of events such as a mass airdrop, a static display including C-130J Super Hercules and a Douglas C-47, and a show of force formation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Wongwai)
EPITALIOU AIRPORT, Greece – An Agusta-Westland AW-139 Cyprus helicopter hovers over a field at Epitaliou Airport, Greece on April 5, 2022. U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party operators worked alongside the Greek 31st Search and Rescue Operations Squadron during INIOCHOS 22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow)
A C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, flies past Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, June 2, 2022. 37th AS has a lineage that stems from squadrons that participated in the invasion of France by dropping troops and carrying gliders over Normandy in order to secure towns and bridges before the rest of the Allied Forces could storm the beaches during World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Matt Bilbrey)
« Previous × Next »