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The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Inspector General team published the results of the dual-wing Ramstein operational readiness inspection Thursday morning.
After five exercises over nine long months to prepare, the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Air Ground Operations Wing both received an “Excellent” rating.
“It was the most complicated operational readiness scenario we have ever attempted,” said Lt. Col. Russell Tutty, USAFE deputy IG. “Any inspection of a base the size of Ramstein is a daunting task, no matter how you go about it.”
The inspection included two phases from Sept. 22 to Oct. 4. In Phase I, the 86th AW simulated deployment to another country and the 435th AGOW actually deployed to Bitburg, Germany. During the employment phase, more than 500 Airmen and 300 short tons of equipment were deployed. The 86th flew dozens of airdrop, airland and DV sorties — all on time.
In Phase II, the deployed Airmen of the 435th defended Bitburg. Back at Ramstein, both the 86th and the 435th defended the base while operating in a simulated chemical warfare environment. Team Ramstein shifted to an “aggressive” defensive
posture at both bases and survived multiple mock terrorist attacks, 24 hours a day, for three full days. Throughout it all, Team Ramstein sustained the forces, provided life saving medical care and much more.
Over seven days, the 120-person IG team had more than 12,500 people to inspect between the two wings and the processes they go through to respond to emergencies and contingency operations.
“We were extremely impressed. These two wings are very capable and have determined and confident Airmen,” Colonel Tutty said. “This inspection was a lot of work, but I think everyone involved learned a lot.”
Several major graded areas received “Out-standing” ratings as well. For the 86th AW, those areas included generation tasking timing, aircraft deployment and regeneration, public affairs and chapel office. Communications and information systems operations was rated “Outstanding” for the 435th AGOW. Multiple other areas for both wings were rated “excellent.”
“The Airmen of the 435th AGOW and the 86th AW coalesced into a magnificent flying, fighting and winning team. They’ve worked incredibly hard, put in long hours and proved we are more than ready to execute our USAFE and U.S. European Command mission,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon, 86th AW commander. “I’m extremely proud of their enthusiasm, professionalism and incredible mission focus. And with the terrorist threat in Europe increasing, our preparations — especially here at Ramstein — couldn’t come at a better time.”
And Col. Thomas Gould, 435th AGOW commander, agreed.
“The Airmen of Team Ramstein worked incredibly hard in preparation for this inspection, all while simultaneously executing numerous real-world
missions in support of three combatant commands,” he said. “Their success says a lot about their professionalism, dedication and pride in the mission. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this great team.”
For more information on final ratings, visit www.ramstein.af.mil.
