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The 86th Airlift Wing is composed of six groups, 27 squadrons and three bases in Germany, Spain and Belgium. The wing’s mission is to conduct U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa’s only airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation operations flying the C-20H, C-21, C-37, C-40B and C-130J aircraft, as well as provide combat airlift and operate the Air Force’s premier installation to enable and assure strategic capabilities. In addition to USAFE and the NATO Allied Air Component Command Headquarters, the 3rd Air Force, the 435th Air Group Operations Wing, the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing and a variety of other tenant organizations also reside on Ramstein.
As the commander of the 86th Airlift Wing, if I had one wish, it would be that every American could stand in my shoes for 24 hours to see the great things our Airmen accomplish every day.
I have the distinct privilege of getting a front row seat to witness amazing work done daily by thousands of 86th Airlift Wing Airmen who support multiple missions and commands here and around the world. With six groups, 27 squadrons and several staff functions working in harmony here at Ramstein, Landstuhl, Vogelweh, Einsiedlerhof, Moron Air Base, Spain, and Chievres Air Base, Belgium, the 86th Airlift Wing is a power projection platform that enables mission success for the Air Force, Department of Defense, and our NATO Allies and partners.
I’m regularly asked to explain what a “typical” day for our wing looks like. The question isn’t asked with the intent to oversimplify our daily accomplishments; but rather, to begin to understand what it means to live and work at the busiest — and dare I say best — mobility hub in the Air Force.
So, what does a typical day look like for our wing? My usual answer is that it depends…there isn’t a good, simple description to explain a typical day for the 86th Airlift Wing. So, when public affairs approached me with an idea on how to communicate what we do every day — “A Day in the Life” if you will — I naturally thought this book and the associated products could help all of us explain to those who haven’t been a part of this wing what a “typical” day is for us.
This “Day in the Life of the 86th Airlift Wing” effort is the story of our Airmen communicated visually. During the 24-hour period of June 18, 2014, more than 30 public affairs professionals covered nearly every facet of the 86th Airlift Wing to record the lives and service of the best our Nation has to offer.
From the flightline to the medical clinic, from the dining facility to the maintenance back shops, from the legal office to security posts, public affairs captured and gathered as much imagery as possible in one day — more than 7,000 pictures and nearly 12 hours of video — to accurately reflect what is great about being an 86th Airlift Wing Airman. It was a herculean effort that took months of planning and coordination for all of it to come together on that one day; and months of work on the back end to create these products for all to enjoy.
As you review this book and all the other “Day in the Life of the 86th Airlift Wing” products, look closely at the images. In that imagery you will see Airmen accomplishing extraordinary things.
More importantly, all those portrayed in these products are professionals … volunteers. You will see representatives of every part of America working together for a common mission…a common goal. If you look beyond the uniforms and tasks performed, you will see what I see: determination, pride, selfless service that comes with the demands and honor of serving our country. The Airmen of the 86th Airlift Wing equip, train and maintain to accomplish all that is asked of them in the defense of our nation … operationally ready, honored to serve. This book serves as a window into the world of our wing and all that it does to support America and its Allies.
Each of our Airmen have a story to tell, and regardless of whether or not their picture was included, this book and associated “Day in the Life of the 86th Airlift Wing” products are dedicated with deep gratitude to all Airmen and families who have served, are serving or will serve in the 86th Airlift Wing.
Virtus Perdurat … Enduring Courage!
