Eurocorps deploys from Ramstein

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Trevor Rhynes
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Troops from Eurocorps deployed from Ramstein Air Base, using the capability of the Joint Mobility Processing Center Tuesday.

Eurocorps is a multinational standing army corps available for the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance.

Headquartered in Strasbourg, France, the force was created in May 1992, activated in October 1993 and declared operational in 1995.

"Eurocorps was an idea that originated in 1952, when France and Germany tried to create a unified European Army," said French Army Sergent-Chief Joseph Patray, a Public Affairs specialist assigned to Eurocorps.

"Forces from Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Spain made up the force that deployed to support International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan," said 2nd Lieutenant Patrick Labbe, 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The force deploys from Ramstein because of the services they offer to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and deploying service members.

"Ramstein is a focal point for all NATO missions going to Afghanistan," said Labbe. "With Eurocorps being an extension of NATO, we have the processes available for this sort of a deployment. Ramstein also possesses all of the facilities necessary for a large movement like this."

Because of facilities like the JMPC, Team Ramstein is able to strengthen alliances between NATO partners.

"Deploying from Ramstein helps by building partnerships across our two organizations and increases inter-operability within the U.S. and our NATO/Eurocorps partners," said Labbe. "The JMPC is proud to support our joint effort for the mission in Afghanistan."