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Senior leaders from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa met German air force senior leaders during the second Headquarters USAFE – HQ GAF Staff Talks, May 22 to 23.
Approximately seven USAFE senior leaders and four German senior leaders participated in this year’s staff talks. The event allowed senior leaders to discuss issues that were addressed during the first-ever HQ USAFE – HQ GAF Staff Talks last June and plan a way forward for new items of interest in order for both air forces to cultivate a common strategic vision and focus on a bilateral cooperation.
“Since May of 1955, we’ve had a relationship with Germany. They’ve been our host nation since the end of World War II,” said Brig. Gen. Dieter Bareihs, Director of Plans, Programs and Analysis for Headquarters USAFE – AFAFRICA. “We faced a lot of challenges back then and we will continue to work together to face future challenges.”
Staff talks commenced with opening remarks from Bareihs and Brig. Gen Jan Kuerbart, German air force headquarters deputy chief of staff plans and programs. U.S. and German senior leaders went on to present briefings which outlined each nations’ air force capabilities, exercises, and strategies across both Europe and Africa. These presentations facilitated discussions on how to enhance U.S. and German air forces cooperation by increasing interoperability and readiness to support the NATO alliance.
The GAF officials also visited the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center, where they were able to learn about the Integrated Air and Missile Defense program.
According to Keurbart, these discussions are very valuable and allow both militaries to voice their concerns.
“We have a long and successful history, [and] we need to continue working on it,” he said.
The historic friendship between Germany and the United States is imperative to the NATO alliance. Their respective warfighting capabilities combined will continue to contribute to global stability and deter mutual threats.
