SECAF visits USAFE, praises Airmen

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Elizabeth Culbertson
  • USAFE Public Affairs
The secretary of the Air Force praised the people and programs of U.S. Air Forces in Europe during a recent visit here.

Following a three-day tour of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and Ramstein and Spangdahlem Air Bases -- all in Germany -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne called USAFE a “best practice institution.”

One program singled out was the Rhein-Main Transition Program, which is transitioning the strategic airlift capability of Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany, to Ramstein and Spangdahlem Air Bases. The projects at both bases include major runway, taxiway and parking ramp renovations and additions.

“The growth that has come about here at Ramstein and at Spangdahlem makes both places almost unrecognizable from ... before. The people are as phenomenal as any, and (I’ve seen) dedication to mission and innovative and creative Airmen,” the secretary said Dec. 23.

Secretary Wynne said the civilian-military relationship in the Kaiserslautern Military Community was an example of a “best practice” that could be adopted by CONUS bases.

“The civilian-military relationship in the Kaiserslautern area is ... a best practice we could be use around some of the towns around America,” he said.

Referencing the air dominance centers in Europe, Secretary Wynne said that the service is looking to develop the most effective multi-national training opportunities worldwide.

“I think this is still a learning experience ... as far as integrating the coalition warfare, looking for opportunities to train Airmen and ground troops, whether they be coalition or joint,” he said.

The secretary said that military learning is being accomplished across services as well as nations.

“This is what really struck me at Landstuhl (Regional Medical Center) -- the integration there and the care. As the hospital commander said, a patient is a patient, irrespective of service. We saw all services there ... all taking care of and by, in fact, the joint forces in action,” he said.

At a Ramstein Air Base troop call, Secretary Wynne said that the Air Force is not “questing after jobs” from sister services, but rather “bringing Airmanship to a joint fight.”

He also identified the success of the total force structure at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The total force concept aim is to strengthen the Air Force by creating synergy among active-duty, Guard and Reserve forces for more capable and efficient airpower.

“There are people (at LRMC) from active duty, Reserves and the National Guard. (Total force integration) is so evident throughout this command. It is remarkable,” he said.

Secretary Wynne said he made the trip to ensure Airmen know their efforts are recognized and appreciated.

“I wanted to make sure that the Airmen downrange and the folks here realize that from the president through the secretary of defense and myself, we have all the faith in them and realize that their mission is a good mission,” he said.

“God bless the men and women of our armed forces that are making this happen.”