USAF demonstrates capabilities in European theater

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The U.S. Air Force airlift provides the capability to deploy armed forces and assets anywhere in the world within hours.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe works with the Air Mobility Command and supports a total force effort to execute rapid global mobility and enable global reach.

While in the European theater, USAFE and AMC Airmen and aircraft support global reach by focusing on four core mission areas: airlift, air refueling, air mobility support, and aeromedical evacuation to support NATO Allies and partners and ensure a strong Europe.

As a part of this effort, U.S. Air Force Reserve Airmen based out of Ramstein flew in a C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., to deliver U.S. Army 2nd Calvary Regiment Stryker vehicles from Nuremburg, Germany to Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

“This is our units first time working with the Air Force to transition equipment,” said U.S. Army Capt. Jared D. Moore, 2nd Calvary Regiment outlaw troop commander. “Typically we move by rail or road march, so this was out first time trying this system out. It’s actually been a very easy, straightforward system for us in terms of how it’s gone and the assistance the Air Force has given us to help get our equipment on the planes.”

The crewmembers aboard the C-17 were comprised from the 97th Airlift Squadron and 313th Airlift Squadron, 446th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; 729th Airlift Squadron, 452nd Air Mobility Wing, March Air Reserve Base, Calif.; and the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.

This patchwork crew demonstrates the total and diverse force that can come together and complete any mission put before them.

“We have the airplanes that are able to move the Army’s equipment and personnel where they need to go,” said U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Reily Finnelly, 97th AS pilot. “It’s interesting being based out of Ramstein for the month because we’re on-call for whatever comes up. With this mission, we could be that resource to move what they needed to move.”

Delivering 2nd Cavalry Regiment Stryker vehicles to Bulgaria is an example of how assets are ready and postured to assure, deter, and respond as a joint and combined team in the event a U.S. response is required.