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Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing process families into Ramstein after their departure from Turkey March 30. Because of the ongoing threat in the region, dependents of service members were ordered to leave Turkey and temporarily relocated to Ramstein by the Department of Defense.
The Department of State and Secretary of Defense approved the ordered departure of dependents from bases across Turkey. Yet even before the flow of families arrived at Ramstein, a fleet of Airmen from the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing were getting ready to make their transition as fluid as possible.
The 721st Aerial Port Squadron at Ramstein and the 728th Air Mobility Squadron at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, both part of the 521st AMOW, kept in constant contact to ensure a smooth transition for the departing passengers.
The 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance and support Airmen diagnosed and repaired two C-17 Globemaster III continually making flights between Ramstein and Turkey. The 721st APS logistics crews kept the bags and cargo moving, and Airmen from the 313th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Air Mobility Control Center provided updated timing, coordination and notifications.
“I am proud of the flexibility and tenacity demonstrated by the Airmen of the 521st AMOW,” said Col. Charles Henderson, 521st AMOW vice commander. “Their dedication to customer service and team spirit made the ordered departure go as smoothly as possible and contributed greatly to its success. This event only proves that America, our Airmen and their families can depend on us!”
The AMOW had their Airmen at the right time and place, which allowed them to react quickly and prevent many dependents from being stranded on Ramstein. The 313th EOSS AMCC worked side by side with the 721st AMXS, APS and the Tanker and Airlift Control Center to redirect a C-17 to be reconfigured and rescheduled to ensure passenger travel was not delayed. At the same time, the 721st APS passenger terminal mirrored the efforts of the 313th EOSS.
“What we tried to do is ease the stress of travel for the family members and take care of their needs as they came in (to the passenger terminal),” said Senior Master Sgt. Holland, 721st APS. “I can imagine myself being down range and getting the notification that my family is leaving in a few hours. I would want someone to assist them.”
Air Mobility Command’s premier mobility wing in Europe worked long hours shifting pets and luggage and coordinating with base agencies to ensure the dependents had a one-stop shop to transition into Ramstein.
“It has been impressive to watch so many of our base organizations come together and be prepared to help our Air Force family members as soon as they get here,” said Master Sgt. Chad Oswald, 721st APS passenger operations NCO in charge. “I think we are really ready for anything. Some of the agencies that are set up to help the incoming travelers include pre-coordinated hotel reservations and customs procedures, American Red Cross services, travel specialist to assist with onward travel reservations and many others.”
Airmen from Ramstein gathered to support. One of them was Master Sgt. Steven Williams, 435th Construction and Training Squadron first sergeant, who gave his time to answer questions, offer advice, and escort and support the families in any way possible. According to Williams, the effort the 521st AMOW provided was appreciated.
“As their first sergeant, I am constantly in contact with the families,” Williams said. “I have received great reviews from the families on the support they have received. I want to thank Ramstein Airmen, key spouses and all the agencies for their outpouring support.”
The ability to provide airlift takes training and preparation, Henderson said, yet the AMOW’s efforts before and during the departure ensured more than 800 Air Force family members assimilated into Ramstein and back to the U.S. as smoothly as possible.
