USAFE builds partnerships in Unified Engagement event

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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  U.S. Air Forces in Europe joined representatives from nine countries in Warsaw, Poland, this week to participate in a Building Partnership Event, part of the Unified Engagement series, a transformation war-game event designed to explore future joint war fighting concepts and capabilities.

The event, co-hosted by USAFE and the Polish Air Force, is the first Building Partnership Event held in Europe and is sponsored by the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff.

Similar events hosted by Pacific Air Forces with partnering nations have been held the previous two years. They have proven hugely successful, and the European event is heading in the same direction, said USAFE Commander Gen. Tom Hobbins in his July 10 opening remarks.

"I'm certain every participant will come out of the seminar with closer personal relationships, a better understanding of different thought processes and some new perspectives on what Air, Space, and Cyberspace will contribute to a crisis in the year 2020," said General Hobbins.

"Every nation here adds a unique perspective and we hope to learn from your perspective and experience during this very challenging scenario," the general said.

His sentiments were echoed by Maj. Gen. Andrzej Blasik, Commander of the Polish Air Force.

"In the past years, the Polish Air Force has undergone an immense transformation effort," said General Blasik. "Today, as members of NATO, we need to discuss important issues that concern the future of our nation, the prosperity, and the ability to protect its people. I hope this seminar will bring us super benefit and will widen our perspective in areas of international, operational and planning cooperation."

Former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper (ret) is served as senior mentor in the Poland seminar, providing insight and overall leadership to all participants and was extremely impressed with the accomplishments achieved at the seminar.

"I am very, very proud at the level of discussion that I saw here and quite frankly, it is among the best that I have ever seen in an exercise like this," General Jumper said.

The event in Poland consisted of approximately 60 military leaders and support staff members from 10 nations focused on objectives that maximize cooperation and coalition building. (Contributing to this report: Tech Sgt. Chris Stone, USAFE Public Affairs)