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U.S. Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force Airmen patrol and build a base during Silver Flag March 8 on Ramstein. The objective of Silver Flag is to prepare Airmen not only for contingency response, but to build partnerships with allies from the bottom up.
More than 160 service members took part in training that not only familiarized them with their gear, but the operations and techniques of a NATO ally during Silver Flag March 8 on Ramstein.
Twenty Canadian airmen worked side by side with their American counterparts, tackling the training designed to simulate a deployed environment.
The objective of Silver Flag is to prepare Airmen for contingency response and to build partnerships with allies from the bottom up.
“Working with the Canadians has been a great experience,” said Airman 1st Class Allen Wexter, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. “We’ve both been learning from each other and gaining a grasp on the modus operandi of an ally nation.”
Airmen from both countries took part in setting up a base from scratch and then handling emergency situations in which firefighters, Hazmat and security forces would respond.
“We are fortunate to have an opportunity of this scale,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Hrusovsky, 435th Construction and Training Squadron fire and rescue contingency instructor. “Chances to build our core technical competencies but reaffirm our partnerships with NATO partners are critical in strengthening our overall force package.”
With one of only two active training facilities able to provide such hands-on training, Ramstein looks to continue establishing international relations through its Airmen.
“Training opportunities like these provide a necessary way for us to be prepared,” said Canadian air force Cpl. Ryan Ford, 9th Wing Gander water, fuels and environmental technician. “We need to familiarize ourselves with NATO ally operations, but aid in familiarizing our allies with our operations to ensure successes in any environment.”
With Silver Flag under their belts and confidence freshly shining through their minds, Airmen with the Canadian and American armed forces prepared themselves under one flag.
