U.S. Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces Africa
By Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs / Published July 09, 2019
A parachutist jumps from a C-130 J Super Hercules aircraft over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 2, 2019. Approximately 40 paratroopers participated in the training, the first conducted over Ramstein since Nov. 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
Parachutists assigned to the 435th Air Ground Operation Wing and the 16th Sustainment Brigade jump from a C-130 J Super Hercules aircraft over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 2, 2019. The jump allowed personnel to maintain proficiency on static line parachute operations so that they can be ready to support potential contingency operations in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt Joshua Todd, 435th Contingency Response Squadron drop zone controller, monitors parachutists during personnel drops over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 2, 2019. The 435th CRG conducts approximately 24 training jumps annually, allowing personnel to maintain proficiency and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
A parachutist approaches the ground during personnel drops over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 2, 2019. Drops over Ramstein are rare because Ramstein’s air field is so busy; conducting the drop showed Ramstein is capable of airlifting support directly onto base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Staff Sgt. Mark Melchiori, 435th Security Forces Squadron jump master, gathers his parachute and gear during personnel drops over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 2, 2019. The 86th Operations Support Squadron and the 37th Airlift Squadron coordinated to accomplish the drop over Ramstein’s airfield despite airlift operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brandon Bixby, left, 435th Security Forces Squadron contingency response team chief, and Tech. Staff Sgt. Mark Melchiori, 435th SFS jump master, head to the meeting point during personnel drops over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 2, 2019. Approximately 40 personnel participated in the jump to maintain proficiency on static line parachute operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
Parachutists offload at the meeting point after personnel drops over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 2, 2019. Such personnel drops are important for training in part because the 435th Contingency Response Group is U.S. Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa’s force designed to airlift to a location and open a base there from scratch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
Parachutists pack their gear after personnel drops over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 2, 2019. The drops were routine training events so members will remain ready to respond to potential contingencies across Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)