617th AOC Chili cook-off

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- (From left to right) The 617th Air and Space Operations Center's Lt. Col. Deron Reynolds and Master Sgt. Mary Hilbert join 603th Air and Space Operations Center counterparts Rob Murphy, Master Sgt. Misty Block and Maj. Jonathan Tucker in trying to determine which chili is the best, hottest and most original during the 617th’s Chili Cook-off Jan. 29 here. The 617th relied heavily on the 603rd for support while building their facility and capabilities as the AOC for 17th Air Force (Air Forces Africa). The 617th held the cook-off for their guests from the 603rd to show appreciation for all the assistance they received. Until the 617th facilities opened earlier this month in the 17th AF HQ, both units conducted operations from the 603rd's Ramstein facilities. The AOC’s also shared training and operational expertise as the 617th prepared to assume command and control responsibilities in the African area of activity. In addition to food and festivities, the 617th offered a tour of their new AOC. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Fisher)