Rhein-Main has foothold in history

Published March 16, 2006

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) -- More than 60 years of ground-breaking accomplishments and history came to a close with a single ceremony Oct. 10 as the “Gateway to Europe” Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany, ceased flying operations.

From the Berlin Airlift and prisoner of war and hostage repatriations to humanitarian operations and medevac missions the base has served as a symbol of freedom and democracy.

“Rhein-Main has been an important and historical base from its earliest beginnings,” said C. R. "Dick" Anderegg, who has led the Air Force History and Museums Program since 1998. “If this ramp could talk and tell us of the tremendous accomplishments here it would make for an incredible story.”

Of the most legendary accomplishments of the base is the Berlin Airlift which Mr. Anderegg credits as the first step in the downfall of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. History also revealed the airlift as the first of many victories for democratic societies over communism.

“Documenting history is important to all of us,” he said. “The way we know where we are is by studying the history of our organization.”

History has shown us that Rhein-Main’s operations have been instrumental to the development of Western Europe and the security of the nation, he said.

“I believe that USAFE has really done a great service to both the United States and Germany, and the greater European community as well,” he said. “By moving the strategic airlift capabilities to the bases Ramstein and Spangdahlem we’ve maintained the ability to complete the mission. At the same time it allows for the expansion and prosperity of the Frankfurt Airport.”

The closure of the base is part of the Rhein-Main Transition Program that has been ongoing since December 1999, when the United States and Germany signed an agreement to return the base to the host nation. In return, Germany allowed relocating the base's key airlift capability to Ramstein and Spangdahlem Air Bases.

The final military mission departed Rhein-Main Sept. 26.