ABC in KMC: Astonished attorneys

The 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs’ Host Nation Office hosted a tour for Anwaltsverein Heidelberg (Attorney Association Heidelberg) on Sep. 29. The tour was initiated by Mr. Martin Moser, Local National Employment Policy, Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe/Air Forces Africa, Directorate of Manpower, Personnel and Services.

Ms. Elke Sittel of the Host Nation Office welcomed the visitors at West Gate and led them on a windshield tour around the north side of Ramstein Air Base. The group was able to view the housing area, schools, sports facilities and learn about responsibilities of Headquarters Air Command and its international support units.

The group then proceeded to a working lunch with discussions on exchange of information and future participation of Civilian Personnel Office members at labor law lectures in Heidelberg. With a workforce of over 2,000 local national employees on Ramstein Air Base, the Civilian Personnel Office strives to stay up to date with German employment laws and regulations.

After lunch, the base tour led the group past fire station I and the Ramstein control tower to the fire department’s exercise aircraft, as well as a view of the two runways. A bit later, the group was especially excited about the opportunity to set foot on one of the U.S. Air Force’s largest cargo aircraft, a C-17 Globemaster.

Senior Master Sergeant Trevor Derr, Lead Production Superintendent of 721 AMXS welcomed the group on board the aircraft and explained the layout and capabilities of the aircraft along with Ms. Sittel. The group was very impressed about the size of aircraft, its multipurpose use with a cargo load capacity of about 77 tons, and the ability to transport 102 paratroopers or be modified for aeromedical evacuation. The visitors were astonished that the load master is required to always keep a close eye on materials and even has a “balcony” for a better view of the equipment inside the aircraft during flight.

In addition, the visitors had the opportunity to climb up onto the flightdeck where Technical Sergeant Sean McPadden and Senior Airman Tristan Walsh explained instruments and features and patiently answered dozens of questions. At the end of the visit, the guests highly enjoyed the opportunity of a group photo and did not want to leave the aircraft and its friendly personnel, as there was still so much to be asked about the aircraft and the job of the maintainers. The group thanked all parties involved and would like to express special appreciation to 721 AMXS, Senior Master Sergeant Derr and his team for their support.