Spanish Host USAFE Commander’s visit to Moron Air Base

MORON AIR BASE, Spain--General Tom Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander, receives a three-ship orientation flight in a Spanish EF-2000 Eurofighter today at Moron Air Base, Spain. During his trip, General Hobbins toured the 11th Combat Wing and visited with Spanish Air Force members to discuss NATO and USAFE topics, as well as met with leadership from the 712th Air Base Group. (Photo by Maj. Jay Sabia, U.S. Air Force)

Spanish Host USAFE Commander’s visit to Moron Air Base

Published May 11, 2007
By Maj. Krista Carlos
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

MORON AIR BASE, Spain -- Known as Europe's en-route structure base for Air Force fighters and tankers, Moron Air Base has an important, but little known, joint mission that assists the U. S. Air Forces in Europe with providing support to aircraft flying downrange.

In a Spanish-hosted visit today, Gen. Tom Hobbins, USAFE commander, met with Spanish Airmen and commanders of the 712th Air Base Group and observed firsthand how the Spanish and U.S. work together to support this important mission.

"Today we briefed the general on the unique capabilities at Moron," said Col. Steve Beatty, 712th Air Base Group commander. "We are a joint base and have a great spirit of cooperation, as well as excellent host nation support."

Although we have no assigned aircraft here, our mission is important because of the support we provide to the downrange movement, he said.

As part of the visit, General Hobbins flew in the cockpit of a Spanish C-295 CASA, a Spanish transport aircraft, and received a three-ship orientation flight in an EF-2000 Eurofighter.

"Moron is the premier Eurofighter base, and this visit was an excellent opportunity for me to see the professionalism and cooperation of the Airmen here," General Hobbins said. "I really enjoyed experiencing the capabilities of the Eurofighter, and I look forward to a strong relationship with our Spanish partners."