Ramstein Airmen train with sister wing in Poland

Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Contingency Response Group traveled to the 33rd Air Base in Powidz, Poland, Aug. 13 to 19 for combined training with Polish military forces.

The week-long, off-site training, Operation Screaming Eagle, aimed at sharing knowledge, strengthening bonds and building partnerships between the two units.
This was the first OST since members of the Polish Air Force’s 3rd Airlift Wing and Airmen from the 86th AW and 435th AGOW formalized the sister-wing relationship earlier this year.

“This was my first opportunity to attend off-site training from Ramstein,” said Capt. Ryan Miller, 37th Airlift Squadron flight commander, and one of 50 Airmen representing Ramstein. “It gave me a great perspective on all that goes into an operation and how many people are required to get the mission done.”

The OST included various jump training scenarios as well as accomplished semiannual flying requirements for the 37th AS Airmen.

Some of the scenarios included high-altitude-low-open, or HALO, jumps; freefall paratrooper support for Grupa Reagowania Operacyjno-Manewrowego, the Polish Operational Mobile Reaction Group; and training Polish riggers how to properly assemble Container Delivery Systems.

More than 180 HALO drops were completed successfully as well as completion of important night flying requirements for aircrew — a training scenario that is difficult to accomplish at home station due to the quiet hour rules.
But it also offered a chance for members of the Polish Air Force to receive incentive flights on a C-130J Super Hercules.

“This was one of the most enjoyable times of my life,” said Polish Air Force Captain Polrul, 33rd Air Base, as he referred to his flight while being able view the airdrop.

Polish Airmen received the first of five refurbished C-130E Hercules military transport planes in early 2009, so the opportunity to see the newer J-model was not only enjoyable, but added additional value to the training experience.

“(The Poles) were very friendly and eager to work with us,” Captain Miller said. “There was definitely a desire to continue and increase the efficiency with our combined forces.”