RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) commander and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Holland, USEUCOM command senior enlisted leader, met with Airmen, Guardians and Allies at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 25-26.
Grynkewich gained first-hand insight from Airmen and Guardians at U.S. Air Forces Europe - Air Forces Africa, NATO Allied Air Command and U.S. Space Forces Europe-Space Forces Africa. He also met with key leadership and Allies to discuss current capabilities, mission integration, and future readiness needs for Air Force and Space Force operations across the theater.
“Air and space power are crucial to the Joint force and USEUCOM’s ability to project combat power in support of global operations. This visit allowed me to see updates to both services and how they are integrating to ensure our forward line of defense for the U.S. homeland is ready for any challenge,” said Grynkewich. “In addition to meeting with U.S. forces, engaging with leaders across AIRCOM and seeing broader progress of the Alliance in the air and space domains demonstrates their recommitment to deterrence and the collective defense of Europe.”
Grynkewich also visited the 603rd AOC, where he took a deeper look into Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), a critical mission that enables a swift response to air and missile threats from any direction. Allies have deployed and tested IAMD capabilities to NATO’s eastern flank to ensure their readiness, while exercises like Spartan Sheild 25-2 provide the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps forces the opportunity to train in various exercise scenarios while manning mobile IAMD command, control and communication centers.
“The threats we face today are real and rapidly evolving. We’re working quickly to adapt to the new threat environment, to train and integrate with Allies and partners in ways we have not done in the past,” said Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander. “Being ready requires us to develop new tactics, techniques and procedures, harness innovative technologies and empower Airmen at all levels, and I’m excited to see the progress we’re making.”
Grynkewich also took the opportunity to recognize outstanding Airmen and Guardians for their superior performance and contributions to the mission.
Tech. Sgt. Kevin Todaro, USAFE-AFAFRICA headquarters Command and Control operations training manager, received a coin from Gen Grynkewich for outstanding service on an international NATO-USAFE-AFAFRICA training agreement, developing the unit’s training plan as training lead and mentoring partner nations.
Grynkewich also recognized Staff Sgt. Britni Anderson-Davis, USAFE-AFAFRICA headquarters European Central Altitude Reservation Facility technician, for her work offsetting a 40% manning shortfall while maintaining 24/7 operations and supporting critical Bomber Task Force Missions.
“We have an important mission and achieving that mission would not be possible without our dedicated Airmen and Guardians,” said Grynkewich. “I’m confident we have the right people for these challenges, and we’ll continue to get after the complex challenges together.”