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In the zone: Bulgarian military, Ramstein Airmen execute personnel drops

March 23, 2017
Photos by Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A Bulgarian military paratrooper removes his parachute at the drop zone during Exercise Thracian Spring 17 at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15. Drop zones are thoroughly surveyed in advance and inspected before every drop in order to ensure a safe landing for personnel or cargo. More than 60 Airmen from Ramstein participated in combined air operations with the Bulgarian military to strengthen relationships while building their nations’ joint military capabilities.
Bulgarian Special Operations drop zone personnel watch a Bulgarian service member descend during Exercise Thracian Spring 17 at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15. Paratroopers exited the C-130J Super Hercules from approximately 1,250 feet before descending to the drop zone. More than 60 Airmen from Ramstein participated in combined air operations with Bulgarian military to strengthen relationships while building their nations’ joint military capabilities.
Ramstein Airmen and Bulgarian military service members assist in deflating a parachute at the drop zone during Exercise Thracian Spring 17 at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15. Initial parachute deflation is important in order to prevent injury by the wind from further dragging landed paratroopers. The two-week combined training with Bulgaria’s military aims to facilitate overall relations and build their nations’ joint military capabilities.
Lt. Col. Bozhider Boykov, Bulgaria’s Special Operations 1st Battalion, 86th Brigade commander, communicates wind readings from the drop zone to Bulgarian military pilots during Exercise Thracian Spring 17 at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15. Boykov worked with a 435th Contingency Response Group drop zone controller throughout the two-week training to execute a safe personnel drop. The combined exercise aims to facilitate overall relations and build Bulgaria’s joint military capabilities.
Exercise Thracian Spring 17 mission commanders and Bulgaria’s Special Operations help to count paratroopers as they parachute down to the drop zone at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15. To prevent potential mishaps and injuries, aircraft loadmasters communicate with the drop zone safety officers to account for personnel exiting and landing on the ground. The U.S. Air Force’s forward presence in Europe allows Airmen to work hand-in-hand with allies to develop and improve ready air forces that are capable of maintaining regional security.
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