2018 Heritage Pamphlet

86th Airlift Wing

Ramstein Air Base
Germany

Brigadier General Mark R. August

Commander

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 86th Airlift Wing

2018

Unit Designation 86th Airlift Wing

Higher Headquarters Third Air Force

Commander Brigadier General Mark R. August

Vice Commander Colonel Joseph H. Wenckus

Vice Director Mr. Scott C. Lockard, GS-15, DAF

Historian Ms. Maria E. Forte, GS-12, DAF

Assigned Units

86th Operations Group

37th Airlift Squadron 86th Wing Staff Agency
76th Airlift Squadron 86th Comptroller Squadron
86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron 86th Civil Engineer Group
86th Operations Support Squadron 86th Civil Engineer Squadron
424th Air Base Squadron, Chievres, 786th Civil Engineer Squadron
Belgium (GSU) 86th Mission Support Group
496th Air Base Squadron, Moron Air Base, 86th Communications Squadron
Spain (GSU)
86th Force Support Squadron
86th Maintenance Group
86th Security Forces Squadron
86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
569th United States Forces Police Squadron
86th Maintenance Squadron
700th Contracting Squadron
86th Maintenance Operations Squadron
786th Force Support Squadron
86th Logistics Readiness Group
Deployment Transition Center
86th Logistics Readiness Squadron
86th Medical Group
86th Materiel Maintenance Squadron
86th Medical Squadron
86th Munitions Squadron
86th Dental Squadron
86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron
86th Medical Operations Squadron

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86th Medical Support Squadron Station
86th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
65th Air Base Group Ramstein AB, Germany
65th Civil Engineer Squadron
Aircraft Flown
65th Communications Squadron
C-130J Hercules, C-21A Lear Jet,
65th Logistics Readiness Squadron
C-40, C-37
65th Operations Support Squadron
65th Security Forces Squadron

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 Emblem

Significance: The blue background symbolizes the sky, the primary theater of Air Force

operations, and the wedge shaped yellow pile signifies the sun, out of which the wing’s airlift

mission comes. The sharp point of the pile signifies the accuracy of the wings deliveries and the

pile is also a stylized lightning bolt to show how rapidly the wing responds to any contingency.

Motto Virtus Perdurat (Enduring Courage)

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 Origins of the 86th Airlift Wing

The Little Airplane Years -- 1942-1992

The origin of the 86th Airlift Wing can be activated on 10 February 1942 at Will Rogers
traced back to 13 January 1942, a little over a Field, Oklahoma, with a cadre of five officers
month after the Japanese attack on Pearl and 163 enlisted men, and made several moves
Harbor, when a rapidly expanding US Army before settling at Key Field in Meridian,
Air Forces established the 86th Bombardment Mississippi. In Mississippi it began training on
Group, Light (BG/L). The Group was A-20 and DB-7 Havoc aircraft.

Douglas A-20 Havoc

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 In September 1942 the 86 BG/L was Vengeance aircraft in exchange for the A-20s
redesignated as a dive bomber Group and and DB-7s which were transferred to the 27th
received the A-24 Dauntless and A-31 and 47th Light Bomber Groups.

A-24 Dauntless

A-31 Vengeance

The new aircraft did not improve the 86’s Consequently the A-24, the Army Air Forces
combat capability. Dive bombers were not version of the US Navy’s highly successful
found to be satisfactory for combat in the SBD Dauntless, and the A-31 were replaced as
European Theater in the initial days of the war. rapidly as possible. The change to a more

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acceptable airframe began on 20 November one of the finest ground attack aircraft in the
1942 with the arrival of the first A-36 Apache world at the time.
(also christened the Apache or Invader). It was
the ground attack version of the P-51A
Mustang. The Apache was considered to be

A-36 Apache

The 86 BG/L trained in their new aircraft 36 aircraft in-theater training began the same
through March 1943. At the beginning of day. The 86th and its squadrons then began a
April the Group prepared to move overseas. series of moves around the theater during
On 29 April the 86 BG/L and its three which it participated in operations in Sicily,
squadrons, the 309, 310, and 312 Italy, Corsica, France and Germany. The 309th
Bombardment Squadrons (Light), embarked Squadron flew the group's first combat mission
from Staten Island and headed to Algeria. The on 2 July 1943 from Trafaroui Air Base,
Group arrived at Mers El Khebir, a former Algeria, and the group's other squadrons began
French naval base at Oran, in May. Flying combat operations on 6 July with attacks
operations began on 15 May from Mediouna against Cap Bon, Tunis.
airport, near Casablanca, French Morocco. A-

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 The primary function of the 86 BG/L was advanced echelon of the group settled into the
to disrupt supplies and communications airfield at Gela West. The remainder of the
destined for the enemy troops on the front group was in place at Gela West by 21 July.
lines, and to provide close support for allied The following day, 22 July 1943, the group
front line troops. Missions usually consisted flew its first mission providing support for the
of four to 12 planes, though there were 1 Division of II Army Corps. By the time the
missions requiring as few as two planes and Germans withdrew from Sicily on 17 August,
on occasion more than 12 planes. the group had flown 2,375 combat sorties over

On close support missions the Group Sicily and along the southern coast of Italy.

was assigned its target by flying to the The group was redesignated as the 86th
general area, pilots then made contact with Fighter Bomber Group on 23 August 1943,
the ground support team from which they and its squadrons, the 309th, 310th, and 312th
received their target instructions. The flight Bombardment Squadrons (Light) were
leader subsequently instructed his flight on redesignated as the 525th, 526th and 527th
how the attack would proceed. Unfortunately Fighter-Bomber squadrons. Four days later
the Germans knew exactly what the flight the newly redesignated group moved to
was going to do and were, more often than Barcelona, Sicily from where the group
not, ready for the attack. provided air support for the first Allied

Flying was often very low level, landings on the European mainland at Salerno,

bordering on rough and violent conditions, Italy. On 10 September 1943, three days after

pushing the planes and the pilots to their the invasion of Salerno, advance echelons of

limits. The planes could take a lot more than the 86th moved to Sele Airfield, near the

the pilots. The outcome was that the pilots of beachhead. Enemy shelling of the beaches

the 86 FBG and other fighter bomber pilots caused considerable difficulty during the

flew a greater variety of missions, performed move, and the group did not fly its first

a greater variety of tasks and ultimately missions until 15 September 1943.

confronted a wider range of combat Following the fall of Naples, the group
situations than the majority of the other pilots moved to Serretella Airfield and then to
in World War II. Pomigliano where it remained for some time.

On 14 July, initial elements of the 86th Throughout the winter and early spring of

embarked for Comiso airport, Sicily. The 1943-44, the 86 FBG supported Allied forces

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by attacking enemy lines of communication, destroyed 217 and damaged 245 enemy
troop concentrations and supply areas. On 30 vehicles, inflicted an unknown number of
April 1944, the 86 FBG moved to Marcianise casualties on hostile personnel, established
Airfield to prepare for the spring offensive many effective road blocks, silenced several
against the German Gustav Line. The 86 FBG gun positions, and interdicted the highways
was an active participant in Operation into the towns of Frosinone, Cori, and
STRANGLE, the attempt to cut German Cescano." The group suffered heavy losses:
supply lines prior to the Allied offensive two aircraft lost, six others heavily damaged,
striking rail and road networks, and attacking and one pilot killed.
German troop and supply columns. Operation During this period the 86th received P-40
STRANGLE did not significantly cut into Warhawks to augment its aging A-36s, but the
German supplies, but it did cut down on the obsolescent P-40s were only a stopgap
German’s tactical mobility and was a major measure. On 30 May 1944 the 86th received
factor in the Allies eventual breach of the its final wartime designation, as the 86th
Gustav Line. Higher headquarters recognized Fighter Group (FG). Between 18 and 30 June
the outstanding work of the group with a the Group relocated to Orbetello Airfield, on
Distinguished Unit Citation. the west coast of Italy. On 23 June, the group
On 17 May 1944 the Germans pulled back began to trade its A-36s and P-40s for the P-47
from the Gustav Line at Monte Cassino, Italy. Thunderbolts. The switch to the tough,
This enabled the allies to advance and modern P-47 was especially welcome by the
beginning on 25 May 1944 the 86th flew a pilots.
series of missions that were designed to disrupt
the enemy's strategic attempts to reform. The
group's armed reconnaissance and bombing
operations, ". . . in 12 missions and 86 sorties,

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 Flight of P-47 Thunderbolts

On 2 July the 86 FBG, along with other southern France (15 August 1944). The Allied
units of the 87 FW, participated in Operation forces met little resistance as they moved 20
MALLORY MAJOR. In just over 72 hours miles inland in the first twenty-four hours.
the over 22 bridges spanning the Po River were The 86th attacked German units on enemy
either damaged or destroyed. The Supreme road and rail networks in northern Italy and
Allied Commander, Western Europe, lauded southern France and, for the first time, flew
this performance stating that he regarded “this regular escort missions for heavy bombers.
feat as being outstanding in the history of Air
War Fare,” and that the Group’s efforts would
“have far reaching effects on the progress of
this campaign in this Theater.”

In mid-July, the 86th continued its tour of

the coast as it moved to Poretta Airfield, near
Casamozza, on the island of Corsica. From
Poretta the Squadrons flew bombing missions 525 FBS Pilots Poretta Corsica

against coastal defenses in direct support of Once the invasion was completed, the
Operation DRAGOON, the Allied invasion of 86th moved back to Italy and continued its

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coastal movements until 23 September 1944
when its relocation to Grosseto was completed.
From here the 86th flew mainly armed
reconnaissance, road blocking, rail cutting, and
general attacks against the enemy in the Po
Valley region.

In October, the weather deteriorated, this

limited the group’s combat flying and impeded February 20, 1945 Lt. Baranek's aircraft was
its movement to a new base at Pisa. On 23 forced to belly land at Tantonville.
October the first echelon was able to move to
Pisa, but the main body remained at Grosseto. The Group’s first mission over Germany,

Severe floods at both places impeded the a cause of some excitement, took place on 25

move. The move to Pisa was finally completed February 1945. By March, most of the 86’s

on 6 November 1944. missions were over Germany to attack rail

lines, roads, supply dumps, enemy
installations and airfields.

Tantonville Headquarters

The group continued combat in 526 FBS Huts at Tantonville

northern Italy until February 1945, when it left

the Mediterranean Theater and moved to The 86 FG transferred from Tantonville to
Tantonville, France, in the Lorraine region. airstrip Y-72, Braunshardt (near Gross Gerau),
Subsequent operations shifted from targets in Germany, on April 16. A “maximum effort”
the Po Valley to targets in southern Germany. on 20 April to stop all enemy transportation in
southern Germany earned the group its second
Distinguished Unit Citation.

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 526 FBS HQ Gross Gerau

The 86th Fighter Group flew its final

combat mission on 8 May 1945. By the end of
the war, the group had flown a total of 28,662
combat sorties and claimed the destruction of
9,960 vehicles, 10,420 rail cars, 1,114
locomotives and 515 enemy aircraft.

After the war in Europe ended, the 86th

remained at Braunshardt which became a
replacement depot to process troops returning
to French staging areas for shipment home.

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 Wartime 86 FBG Stations

Station Arrived Departed

Will Rogers Field Oklahoma 10 February 1942 1 July 1942
Hunter Field Georgia 2 July 1942 6 August 1942
Key Field Mississippi 7 August1942 17 March 1943
Camp Kilmer 19 March 1943 29 April 1943
Oran Algeria 11 May 1943 1 June 1943
Tafaroui Field Algeria 1 June 1943 30 June 1943
Korba Field Tunisia 1 July 1943 20 July 1943
W. Gela Field Sicily 21 July 1943 31 August 1943
Barcellona Field Sicily 31 August 1943 9 September 1943
Sele Field Italy 13 September 1943 14 October 1943
Seretelle Field Italy 14 October 1943 19 November 1943
Pomigliano Field Italy 19 November 1943 30 April 1944
Marcianise 30 April 1944 11 June 1944
Ciampino 11 June `944 20 June 1944
Orbetello 20 June 1944 11 July 1944
Poretta 12 July 1944 17 September 1944
Grosetto 17 September 1944 23 October 1944
Pisa 23 October 1944 20 February 1945
Tantonville 20 February 1945 16 April 1945
Braunshardt 18 April 1945 25 September 1945
Schweinfurt (post war station) 25 September 1945

At Braunshardt flying personnel Command). As it was, Continental Air Forces

performed routine training to maintain their had a surplus of units and on 31 March 1946,
proficiency. On 25-26 September 1945, the the 86th and its units were inactivated.
group moved to station R-25, Schweinfurt, This inactivation was followed by a fast
Germany where it operated as a unit of the moving and often confusing set of events
occupation force. The group's squadrons lost linked to America’s realization that it was
their personnel without replacement from involved in a Cold War with the Soviet
October – November 1945, and group Union. Less than five months later, on 20
headquarters absorbed all remaining personnel August 1946, the US Army Air Forces
on 24 November 1945. activated the 86th Group and its three
At midnight on 14 February 1946, the last squadrons, 525th, 526th and 527th, at
of the group headquarters personnel were Nordholz Army Air Base, near Bremerhaven,
assigned to Detachment A, 64 Fighter Wing. Germany, with personnel and materiel,
The designation of the group and squadrons including P-47 fighters, from another
moved, without personnel or equipment, to inactivated unit, the 406th Fighter Group.
Bolling Field DC where it was assigned to
Continental Air Forces (later, Strategic Air

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 The 86 FG served as part of the July to 25 August 1947, the group also
occupation force and at the same time exercised operational control over a P-51
maintained combat proficiency. On 14 Mustang squadron (later, Detachment A,
November 1946, the group moved to Lechfeld 86th Composite Group).
Army Air Base, near Augsburg, Germany.
Lechfeld, though, was scheduled for closure,
and in January 1947, the 86 FG became a
"paper unit" when all of its P-47s and all but
one officer and a few enlisted men were
transferred to other units.

On 15 May 1947, the 86 FG lost one

Neubiberg Air Base
fighter squadron, the 527th, but gained a
reconnaissance squadron and moved to The reconnaissance squadron's

Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany. As a result of the assignment to the group terminated on 25

addition of a reconnaissance mission the group January 1948 and the group assumed its former

was redesignated as the 86th Composite designation as the 86th Fighter Group. There

Group. were new designations in the works and the

86th Fighter Group became the tactical
On 12 June 1947 the 86th was reassigned
component of a new organization, the 86th
to Neubiberg Air Base, near Munich, Germany
Fighter Wing (FW). The latter was activated
to replace the 33 FG. On 25 June 1947, the 33
at Neubiberg on 1 July 1948, a week after the
FG became non-operational and the 86th
Soviets blocked the land routes to Berlin and
Composite Group moved from a paper unit to
the Berlin Airlift began. The mission of the
a “real” unit as it received personnel and P-47
86 FW was to provide air defense for the
Thunderbolts for its two squadrons. These
Berlin Airlift cargo flights, in addition to
were low time Thunderbolts taken from
providing general air defense for the
various storage depots in Germany. From 25
American Occupation Zone.

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 The 86th Joins the Jet Age

Air Force Leaders were concerned about from Norway, Denmark, and Portugal came
the piston engine F-47s ability to engage to Neubiberg to work side by side with US
Soviet jet fighters. Consequently the 86th Air Force personnel in the largest joint
Fighter Wing was informed in January 1950 maneuver since the formation of SHAPE.
that it would be re-equipped with F-84E This exercise allowed NATO representatives
Thunderjets and be assigned a new ground to closely observe their American
attack mission. On 20 January the wing was counterparts operate under combat
redesignated as the 86th Fighter-Bomber Wing conditions, and to compare US Air Force
(FBW). In October 1950 the 27th Fighter- methods with those employed by their
Escort Wing, Bergstrom Air Force Base, respective countries.
Texas ferried ninety-one F-84E From the inception of MDAP F-84E
"Thunderjets" to Neubiberg. The 86 FBW’s Thunderjets and T-33 jet trainers were ferried
old P-47s were distributed to other North by pilots of the 86 FBW to MDAP countries
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) including France, Belgium, Denmark, Norway
countries. and the Netherlands. Moreover, a number of
In December 1950 the Mutual Defense allied pilots received check-out in jet
Assistance Program (MDAP) was initiated at operations and aerial tactics from jet
the 86 FBW then commanded by Col. John S. instructors of the 86 FBW.
Chennault. Pilots, engineers, and armors of On 11 February 1952 the 86 FBW, still
the 86th shared their technical know-how with based at Neubiberg, furnished four F-84-E
NATO airmen to prepare them for the arrival Thunderjets for a combined infantry-artillery
of jet aircraft in their own countries. Nearly a training exercise with the 2d Armored
year later, from 3 October to 10 October 1951, Division at Baumholder, Rheinland-Pfalz
the 86 FBW played an integral part during
“Exercise Combine.” A number of Airmen

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 The Last P-47

Republic F-84E Thunderjet of the 527 Fighter-Bomber

Squadron, 86 FBW
In the wake of the increasing conventional was to amend construction commenced by
forces in Europe military leaders decided to the French. They built taxiways, airfield
construct six new bases west of the Rhine. One lighting and roads.
base, or rather two adjoining bases, Landstuhl
and Ramstein were built on an auxiliary
Luftwaffe landing strip on a portion of the
uncompleted autobahn between Landstuhl
and Ramstein, near Kaiserslautern.

United States Army, Company A, 862d

Engineer Aviation Battalion arrived from
Rhein-Main beginning 29 January 1952 to
build a tent camp for the main body which
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 led by Squadron Commander LtCol George
B. Simler did land at Landstuhl but returned
to Neubiberg on 4 March due to the ongoing
construction and lack of operational and
maintenance support.

Temporary quarters at Landstuhl

On 17 February 1952, Detachment 1,

Headquarters 86th Fighter-Bomber Wing,
under the command of Lieutenant Colonel
Clyde M. Burwell arrived at, what was to
Engineers at Landstuhl
become, Landstuhl Air Base (AB) to
supervise the construction of the facilities on On 27 March 1952 six (6) 527 FBS
what consisted of the Ramstein flight line and aircraft arrived and stayed through 10 April.
facilities south of Kisling Memorial Drive. An In the meantime, on 5 April 1952, the Air
immediate priority was to construct security Force officially established Landstuhl AB and
fencing for the accompanying aircraft of the assigned the 86th Air Base Group to administer
advanced party. it.
The base was not yet fully operational
On 21 February, 1952, Col. John
when the first mishap was recorded. This took
Chennault, Commander of the 86 FBW, the
place on 13 June 1952 when Capt. Clair P.
Commander of the 86th Maintenance Supply
Chennault, 527 FBS, son of Lt Gen Claire
Group, the Chief of the Supply Branch, and
Chennault and brother of the 86 FBW
members of the 86th Fighter-Bomber Wing
Commander John Chennault, was in takeoff
staff visited the construction site.
position at Landstuhl, and the plane’s engine
On 25 Feb 1952 Col Chennault exploded. He escaped unharmed.
announced that plans for moving to
Landstuhl Air Base, the southernmost of
Landstuhl Air Base had been postponed. On
the two bases, finally opened for operations
2 March 1952 six (6) jets from the 527 FBS
on 5 August 1952 and on 21 August 1952, the

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86th Fighter Bomber Wing relocated here during missions were unable to return to the
from Neubiberg AB, Germany (near Munich). airfield at Tantonville or Braunshardt and
It was ironic that the 86 FBW was crashed or made forced landings in
transferred to Landstuhl in 1952 since the Rheinland-Pfalz or just east of the Rhein in
wartime missions of the 86 FBG after 25 Hessen and Baden-Wuertemberg. Moreover
February 1945 were flown over northwestern the last war time headquarters of the 86 FBG
Baden Wuertemberg, Southwestern Hessen was only an hour away at Braunshardt near
and over Rheinland-Pfalz. Aircraft damaged Gross Gerau.

F-86F Sabre of the 527 Fighter Bomber Squadron, 86 FBW (insignia at

the top of the tail)
On 23 Mar 1953, The Air Force used the
86 FBW for “service test” reorganization and
changed the wing’s structure from four groups
to two groups, one combat and one support.
The purpose of the test was to determine the
maximum efficiency obtainable with the
minimum of personnel.

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 In April 1953, the 86 FBW completed its
move to Landstuhl and became the first unit in
United States Air Forces in

Europe (USAFE) to fly the F-86F Sabre

Jet. The F-86F had been very successful as
both a fighter and fighter bomber in the Korean
War, and marked a quantum increase in the
Wing’s capabilities.

A year later the 86th was redesignated as

On 27 July 1956, Headquarters, United
the 86th Fighter-Interceptor Wing (FIW) and
States Air Force approved the 86 FIW’s
assumed a new mission for air defense for the
emblem, which remains the same one used by
central European region. For this mission, the
the 86th Airlift Wing today. The emblem was
wing replaced its F-86Fs with rocket-armed F-
originally approved by the US Army Air
86Ds which provided an all-weather
Forces for the World War II-era 86th
capability.
Bombardment Group (Dive) on 17 October 42.
In the revised emblem the bomb was removed
from the center.

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 Emblems

On 1 December 1957, the two bases of During this period, the 86 FIW controlled
Ramstein and Landstuhl were consolidated as many as seven squadrons operating from
into a single entity known as Ramstein and five different locations, and earned its first Air
Landstuhl Air Base, but common usage Force Outstanding Unit Award for October
eventually shortened it to Ramstein Air Base. 1955 to October 1958.

From 14 July to 24 October 1958 there Headquarters Seventeenth Air Force

was a crisis in Lebanon. Lebanese President moved from Wheelus AB, Libya to Ramstein
Camille Chamoun requested military aid on 15 November 1959, and that same year the
from the United States. President Dwight D. 86 FIW wing converted F-102A Delta
Eisenhower authorized Operation BLUE Daggers.
BAT. This was the first application of the
Eisenhower Doctrine. The 86th Fighter-
Interceptor Wing provided nine F-86s to
provide air defense for the base and deployed
personnel. The United States Air Force
proved during this crisis that it could deploy
a large force quickly in response to a limited F-102 Delta Dagger
threat.

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 Soon afterwards, on 18 November 1960, Tactical Fighter Squadron and transferred to
the 86th was redesignated as the 86th Air George AFB, California.
Division (Defense). This change marked the The 86 AD continued to fly an air
beginning of a new era as the unit's defense mission using its respective fighter
organizational structure absorbed five aircraft interceptor squadrons. At the same time the
control and warning squadrons, including a 86 AD provided control of the airways by
small number of F-100 Super Sabre and F-104 way of various aircraft control and warning
Starfighter aircraft. At Ramstein, the 526 FIS units. In recognition of how well it
was equipped with F-102s in 1960, while the accomplished the myriad of missions it was
440th, 512th, 513th and 514th FISs began to assigned, and for implementing the single
retire their F-86's during November and 412L Air Weapons Control System acquired
December. They were inactivated on 8 by the Air Force, the 86th received a second
January 1961. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the
F-102 Squadrons assigned to the 86 AD period from July 1964 to June 1965.
at detached sites were: In 1966, the 86 AD was with faced more
32 Fighter Interceptor Squadron, changes. President DeGaulle announced that
Soesterberg AB, Netherlands
France was withdrawing from NATO. In
496th Fighter Interceptor Squadron,
Hahn AB, West Germany 1967 France withdrew from NATO which
527 Fighter Interceptor Squadron, had an immediate effect on the NATO
Bitburg AB, West Germany military command structure, moreover,
526 Fighter Interceptor Squadron,
Ramstein AB, West Germany foreign troops were forced to leave France.
This led to far-reaching changes,
However, at the time of its arrival in including a major reorganization in 1967
Europe, the F-102 was already being replaced which resulted in the 26th Tactical
by the McDonnell F-101B Voodoo, the Reconnaissance Wing and its RF-4C aircraft
Convair F-106 Delta Dart, and by the much and the 26th Combat Support Group (CSG)
more versatile McDonnell F-4 Phantom II in being relocated to Ramstein and assuming
the Aerospace Defense Command as responsibility for base operations. The 86 AD
interceptors. In USAFE, one of the 86 F-102 returned to its previous designation as the 86
units, the 497 FIS, transitioned to F-4Cs in FIW, and on 14 November 1968 it was
1963. It was redesignated as the 497th inactivated, leaving the 26 TRW as

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Ramstein’s principal operating unit with the 86 CSG accepted responsibility for base
7th Special Operations Squadron, the 526th operations. Within a short period of time its
Tactical Fighter Squadrons and the 38th sole fighter squadron, the 526 TFS was joined
Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons. Shortly by the 512th Tactical Fighter Squadron as it
after this realignment, the Canadian Armed returned to its old home at Ramstein. Both
Forces reorganized and downsized their squadrons flew the F-4E Phantom II which
forces in Europe, and the Canadian 3 Wing served the 86th longer at than any other aircraft
left Zweibrücken Air Base. Since except for the C-130 which arrived in 1994.
Zweibrücken was now open the Air Force Beginning in the late 1960s, Ramstein
activated and redesignated the 86th Fighter- began to gain hardened aircraft shelters as
Interceptor Wing as the 86th Tactical Fighter part of the Theater Air Base Vulnerability
Wing (TFW) at the base on 1 November 1969. (TABV, pronounced “Tab-Vee”) program,
Be that as it may, the new designation did not and on 27 June 1969 the base accepted six
coincide with the wing's mission as its forces newly-constructed TABV aircraft shelters.
at Zweibrücken consisted of a single tactical These shelters provided a high level of
reconnaissance squadron of RF-4s. A second protection from a variety of types of attack
reconnaissance squadron was assigned to the and were the first of 342 TABV shelters to be
86 TFW in 1971. The designation conundrum built in Central Europe.
was resolved as part of a USAFE command- In 1981, four hardened operational
wide effort to realign functions and facilities were built at various locations at
streamline operations called Creek Action. Ramstein. They were designed for tactical air
On 31 January 1973, in what was called support for peace and war time tasking. The
an “unusual ceremony,” the commander of squadron operation facilities contained flight
the 26 TRW, Brigadier General William planning areas, briefing rooms and
Georgi, traded his 26 TRW flag for the flag intelligence areas. The facilities also
of the 86 TFW, and became commander of included all necessary utilities and chemical
the 86 TFW. The 26 TRW and 38 TRS and biological protection measures which
moved to Zweibrücken AB. The outcome enabled command and control of the
was that the name of the 86th Tactical Fighter squadron during an attack.
Wing was transferred back to Ramstein. The

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 F-4Es of the 86 TFW

The First Terrorist Attacks

On 31 August 1981 a terrorist bomb damage to both areas. Both areas were
hidden in a parked vehicle exploded between evacuated pending renovation. Then on 10
B and C wings of Ramstein’s building 201 April 1986, the bombing of La Belle disco in
(Headquarters USAFE and Headquarters Berlin brought 35 casualties to the hospital at
Allied Air Forces, Central Europe). The Landstuhl.
bomb resulted in 16 causalities and heavy

The Arrival of the F-16

On 20 September 1985, as the wing the first operational unit to receive this latest
approached its fortieth year of service in variation of the Fighting Falcon with the
Germany, the first F-16C Fighting Falcon arrival of four Block 30 F-16Cs on 7 October
arrived, and the 86 TFW began its conversion 1985. On 7 July 1986, the last F-4E departed
from the F-4E to the highly sophisticated F- Ramstein.
16C/D Fighting Falcon. The 86 TFW became

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 Changing of the Guard: the F-4E (top) to the F-16C (bottom), 1986

Disaster Strikes

Flying military aircraft has inherent 70 fatalities (4 Americans and 66 foreign

dangers, and Ramstein was reminded of that nationals), and injuries sustained by over 500
fact when three Italian demonstration aircraft spectators. Quick reactions from emergency
collided at 15:46 in mid-air while performing response forces minimized collateral
the intricate “Pierced Heart” maneuver damage. Within 10 minutes over 200
during Ramstein’s annual Flugtag on 31 casualties were taken to the hospital at
August 1988. Flaming debris and aircraft Landstuhl, saving many lives.
parts careened into the assembled crowd with
tragic consequences. The disaster resulted in

The Fall of the Berlin Wall and the End of the Cold War

The Berlin Wall began to come down on Berlin to revel in the historic moment as East
November 9, 1989 and the celebrations Berliners flooded into the west. Members of
began. Members of the 86 TFW wing went to the 86 TFW brought back pieces of the Wall,

24
including large slabs of concrete that were its waning days and questions about the
placed in an area between USAFE future of US forces in Europe began to arise.
headquarters and the Officers Club. There The exuberance displayed in those halcyon
was a good deal of optimism about the future days of the winter of ’89 was soon
in November 1989. At the beginning of 1990 overshadowed by events in the Middle East.
there was a feeling that the Cold War was in

Berlin Wall Remnant behind USAFE Headquarters

Desert Shield/Desert Storm

When the Soviet Union collapsed the unconditionally from Kuwait. The United
end of the Cold War was in sight and the 86th Nations passed 12 resolutions in all in which it
and Ramstein had just begun to absorb this urged Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait. In the
turn of events when Iraq invaded its neighbor meantime a 30 nation force led by the United
Kuwait on 2 August 1990. States arrived in Saudi Arabia to defend it and

The following day the UN Security its oil installations from a possible attack by

Council adopted Resolution 660 (1990) which Iraq. The operation dubbed Desert Shield

condemned the invasion and demanded that began on August 7, 1990.

Iraq withdraw its forces immediately and

25
 Under Operation Desert Shield/Desert after taking off from Ramstein’s westbound
Storm the F-16s of the 86th Wing did not runway. The C-5, loaded with medical
deploy to the Persian Gulf as so many of its supplies, dry rations and 180,000 pounds of
USAFE counterparts did. Instead, Ramstein fuel, had been bound for the Persian Gulf.
became an intermediate support base for Only four of the 17 crewmembers and duty
American forces deployed to the Persian passengers survived.
Gulf. This was a harbinger of things to come. Following Desert Shield/Desert Storm,
On 10 August 1990, Ramstein began the 86 TFW and its two fighter squadrons
receiving MAC stage crews and the base began flying combat air patrol and armed
became an overflow airfield for Rhein-Main reconnaissance missions over northern Iraq in
AB supporting strategic airlift traffic to the support of Operation Provide Comfort. From 6
Persian Gulf. In addition to serving as a April 1991, when the operation began, until
central overflow hub for airlift traffic flying September 1993 when its commitment ended,
between the US and the Arabian Peninsula, the wing flew nearly 5,000 sorties over Iraq.
Ramstein also established an intermediate For its participation in Provide Comfort, the 86
engine repair facility for deployed F-16s; TFW received credit in a Joint Meritorious
became a huge collection and distribution Unit Award, though the award did little to
center for gulf-bound munitions; and on 15 placate the wing personnel who felt they had
January 1991 Ramstein AB’s aeromedical “missed” the war.
staging facility activated a 150-bed hospital On 1 May 1991, the 86 TFW was
and blood transshipment center in Hangar 1. redesignated as the 86th Fighter Wing (FW)
The hospital provided triage to its first and underwent a complete change in its
patients from the Persian Gulf on the same organizational structure as a test base for the
day. Additionally, personnel from virtually USAFE Corona South wing reorganization
every squadron subordinate to the 316 Air program, an effort to "flatten" command lines
Division augmented Air Force and Army and consolidate span of control. Ramstein’s
units deployed to the gulf. 316th Air Division AD and 377th Combat
In August 1990, a Military Airlift Support Wing were inactivated and all of their
Command C-5 assigned to MAC’s 60 former functions placed under the operational
Military Airlift Wing crashed in an open field control of the 86th Fighter Wing. The lessons
outside the airfield perimeter just seconds learned at Ramstein were applicable Air

26
Force-wide as other organizations converted to
this new organizational structure.

Combat Success

On 17 August 1993, the 86th received its fired a single AIM-120 which dispatched the
first LANTIRN-capable Block 40 F-16C lead Galeb, and then fired two Sidewinders
which eventually replaced the earlier Block 30 which destroyed two more Galebs. The
F-16s. One month later, the 86th began flying second F-16C flown by Capt. Scott O'Grady
combat air patrol and close air support fired a Sidewinder at the fourth aircraft, but
missions over Bosnia-Herzegovina in support this missile missed. A second flight of F-
of Operation DENY FLIGHT. Under DENY 16Cs was vectored in by the AWACS, and
FLIGHT, Serbian aircraft were forbidden to the lead aircraft from this flight (89-2009)
fly over Bosnian territory, and many of the destroyed a fourth Galeb near Banja-Luka,
86th F-16s deployed to Aviano AB, Italy to Bosnia-Herzegovina. The remaining two
enforce this restriction. On 28 February 1994, Galebs managed to escape Bosnian airspace
the 86th salved some it its frustrations from via Croatia. This was the first offensive
missing Desert Storm when two F-16Cs from action ever performed by NATO warplanes.
the 86’s 526th Tactical Fighter Squadron on
patrol were directed to intercept six Serbian
Soko G-4 Super Galebs. The Airborne Early
Warning and Control System (AWACS)
detected the Galebs bombing targets in the
town of Bugojno, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The
Galebs were warned twice to land or leave
the UN no-fly zone. A G-4 Super Galeb
Both warnings were ignored and the two At the same time that the F-16s
F-16s were vectored in to intercept the supported DENY FLIGHT, the end of the
Galebs. Two more warnings were given, and Cold War was bringing major force structure
the F-16Cs were given clearance to fire. F- changes. HQAF decided to change the 86th
16C 89-2137 flown by Capt. Robert Wright Wing from a fighter wing to a wing devoted

27
to intra-theater airlift, and for the 86th Wing Rhein Main Air Base, Germany, which was
to assume the C-130 airlift mission slated for inactivation.
previously held by the 435th Airlift Wing at

The Birth of the 86th Airlift Wing

Since its founding in 1942, the 86th Wing

designation was associated with tactical
fighters, fighter-bombers, and interceptors; but
as noted above, the end of the Cold War
brought about major force structure changes
throughout the Air Force, and the 86th Wing
was no exception. On 1 June 1992, the 86th
Fighter Wing only had F-16s in its inventory, C-20 Gulfstream

began a slow move to airlift operations.

The wing took over the 58th Airlift

Squadron (AS) on 1 June 1992 with its small
executive fleet of C-12, C-20 Gulfstream, C-
21 Lear Jet, CT-43, C-135, and UH-1 aircraft.
After the wing gained this airlift mission, the
wing designation was changed from the 86th C-21 Lear Jet
Fighter Wing to the 86th Wing.
On 1 July 1993 Detachment 1, 435th
Operations Group, at Chievres, Belgium was
redesignated as the Det 1, 86th Operations
Group, bringing a C 9A into the 86th inventory
and along with it the responsibility to provide
direct airlift support to Supreme Allied
Commander Europe (SACEUR).
C-12 Huron
On 1 July 1993, the 86th also added an
aeromedical evacuation mission when the

28
Second Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron AS. The 58 AS was also inactivated and
(AES) and the 55th Aeromedical Airlift personnel, funds and equipment assigned to
Squadron (AAS) were transferred from Rhein- the 76th Airlift Squadron which had been
Main AB to Ramstein AB. The 55 AAS added activated on 20 June 1952.
another C-9A Nightingale, to the 86th Wing To complete the shuffle, the 2 AES
inventory. inactivated on 16 August 1994. The 86th
Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron was
activated in its place with 2 AES’ personnel,
funds and equipment.
On 5 February 1994, Prior to its

C-9A Nightingale
inactivation the 2 AES assisted in evacuating
victims from Sarajevo following a mortar
Three months after the 55 AAS moved
attack in a public shopping district. This was
to Ramstein (1 October 1993) it was
Ramstein’s first major airlift after assuming
inactivated and the 75th Airlift Squadron was
the airlift mission.
activated to take its place. 55 AAS personnel,
funds and equipment were assigned to the 75

The Shift to Airlift

The 435 AW sent approximately 200 arrived; ultimately the 37th Airlift Squadron
personnel from the 37th Airlift Squadron (AS) had a total of 19 C-130Es in its inventory and
as a Detachment to Ramstein on 7 March 1994 approximately 1,100 personnel on its rolls.
to start the flow of C-130 personnel to the 86th.
This small detachment began planning and
administrative activities and served as a central
point for incoming personnel and equipment
transferring to Ramstein. On 28 June 1994, the
first two C-130E Hercules aircraft to be
permanently based at Ramstein arrived.
Gradually more C-130Es and personnel
37 AS C-130E

29
 Concurrent with the arrivals of the C- On 1 October 1994 the final transition to
130s and their personnel, the 86th Wing's F- intra theater airlift took place as the 37th Airlift
16s dispersed from Ramstein. On 21 July Squadron “Blue Tail Flies” officially
1994 the 86th Wing held a “Fighter Farewell” transferred to the 86th Wing and the wing
ceremony for the departure of its last F-16s to became the 86th Airlift Wing with the 37 AS,
the 31th Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, 75 AS, 76 AS, and the 86 AES as its
Italy. operational units.

The New Mission

The new 86th Airlift Wing was During the transition to an airlift wing the
responsible for United States Air Forces 86 AW also inherited an ongoing airlift
Europe (USAFE) intra-theater airlift mission in support of Operation Provide
throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle Promise. The operation began on 9 January
East, and for supporting operations and 1992 and ended on 9 January 1996. The 37
exercises throughout the European theater. AS, flew its first sortie to Sarajevo on 3 July
The reoriented wing’s successful transition 1992. Moreover, it flew the bulk of the airlift
from F-16s to C-130s and its airlift support of provided by the United States during the
numerous European contingencies earned it operation. On 14 January 1995 the 37 AS
the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the began flying its Provide Promise missions
period 1 July 1993-30 June 1995, bringing the from Falconara AB, Ancona, Italy.
wing’s total Air Force Outstanding Unit The first real test for the 86 AW and
Awards to six. Ramstein AB as the USAFE center of intra-

30
theater airlift operations came during the latter Bosnia-Herzegovina known as Operation
half of 1995. From 29 August to 21 Joint Guard. On 20 June 1998 Joint Guard
September, the 76 AS deployed a total of 2 C- ended and the Stabilization Force
21 aircraft and 12 personnel to Naples, Italy to transitioned to a slightly smaller follow-on
support Operation DELIBERATE FORCE. force, and was renamed Operation JOINT
The deployed aircraft flew over 30 missions FORGE.
from Naples while another eight missions The 86 AW, augmented by active duty,
originated from Ramstein AB. In December Air National Guard and Reserve units from the
1995 the 86 AW participated in Operation United States, successfully sustained this effort
JOINT ENDEVOR, which witnessed the by delivering US Army and Air Force
deployment of US and allied peacekeeping peacekeeping forces and equipment into the
forces to Bosnia. area. By 31 December 2000, the 86 AW and
The operation, while highly successful, its supporting units had transported over
was marred by the crash of the 86 AW’s sole 48,000 tons of cargo and 111,164 personnel
CT-43 on 3 April 1996 near Dubrovnik, into, around, and out of the theater of
Croatia. The crash claimed the lives of 35 operations.
people, including that of Secretary of In April 1996 civil disturbances broke out
Commerce Ronald H. Brown, who had been in the Republic of Liberia. As the violence
on a mission to improve the economy and escalated the US Embassy in Monrovia
infrastructure of the former Yugoslavia. requested a Noncombatant Evacuation Order
for approximately 270 American Citizens and
470 third country nationals in the vicinity of
the capital. On 9 April HQ USAFE tasked the
86 AW to provide a deployment contingent in
support of the NEO. This Operation was
dubbed ASSURED RESPONSE. The wing
set up a crisis action team to direct the
Wreckage of Secretary Brown’s CT-43 deployment effort. Eight aeromedical
Joint Endeavor concluded 20 December personnel and two C-130s with 50 personnel
1996, and US forces became a part of the new deployed to Dakar, Senegal. During the two
NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) in week operation, C-130 aircrews flew 30

31
missions and evacuated 625 Americans and WATCH and SOUTHERN WATCH, as well
foreign nationals. as PHOENIX SCORPION I-IV, the
deployment of forces as a show of force to
compel Iraq to comply with UN weapons
inspectors. The PHOENIX SCORPION
deployments provided the means for later
coercive air strikes against Iraq. From 1998
through 2000, 86 AW personnel supported
Operation PROVIDE HOPE under which
excess medical supplies were delivered to the
US Citizens Awaiting Evacuation from Liberia
during Assured Response Republic of Moldova in the former Soviet
Union.
From February to March 1997, the wing
executed Operation ASSURED LIFT with five
C-130s and 147 personnel delivering
peacekeepers of the Economic Community of
West African to Liberia. In March 1997, the
wing’s Contingency Operations Flight
supported another NEO, Operation SILVER
WAKE, this time in the Balkan state of
Albania. The 86 AW personnel oversaw 62 86 AW Personnel Supporting Provide Hope

missions by CH-46s, CH-47s and CH-53s

moving 1,550 evacuees. For its support of In 1999 the former Republic of
JOINT GUARD and ASSURED LIFT, along Yugoslavia sought to reclaim the region of
with numerous other contingencies during the Kosovo which ultimately resulted in a period
period 1 July 96 - 30 June 97, the 86 AW of “ethnic cleansing.” When Yugoslavia
received its seventh Air Force Outstanding failed to comply with provisions of United
Unit Award. Nations Security Council Resolution 1199
During 1997 and 1998, the 86 AW and continued to pursue ethnic cleansing,
supported continued operations in the Persian NATO, led by the United States, began
Gulf Region, Operations NORTHERN Operation ALLIED FORCE. This operation
focused on bombing key Yugoslavian targets

32
in an effort to persuade President Slobodan This was a peacekeeping operation in
Milosevic of Yugoslavia to comply with UN Kosovo designed to establish a secure
resolutions. The 86 AW flew 396 missions environment for the return of the refugees.
in support of ALLIED FORCE. The wing The 86 AW also executed the first combat
transported 3,000 tons of cargo and 1,492 airdrop into Kosovo, during Operation
passengers to various destinations within the RAPID GUARDIAN, when it flew seven
European theater. sorties for the U.S. Army and dropped

As ALLIED FORCE concluded, the 86 approximately 130 US Army Paratroopers.

AW began Operation JOINT GUARDIAN.

37 AS C-130E dropping US Army paratroopers during Operation Rapid

Guardian

The Founding of the 86th Contingency Response Group

The new security environment in the Air Force responded to this need with the
Balkans demonstrated the need for a rapid- activation of its first Contingency Response
deployment "first-in" force to secure a Group (CRG), the 86 CRG, on 26 February
contingency airfield, then establish and the 1999. The 86 CRG was a part of the 86 AW,
maintain airfield and aerial port operations and had two subordinate units: the 86th Air
and finally to provide force protection. The Mobility Squadron and 786th Security Forces

33
Squadron. Moreover the 86 CRG
incorporated more than 30 different jobs.
This new self-contained element became the
Air Force standard for such units, and proved
its utility during the Kosovo conflict.

CRG “Opening the Base” Operations

Other Operations

From 24 March to 14 July 1999, the 86 assortment of congressional delegates visited

AW participated in Operation SHINNING the 86 AW and Ramstein AB.
HOPE, a mission of humanitarian support for
refugees displaced by the conflict in the
Balkans with shelter and food. This new
operation was based at Tirane, Albania.

The 86 AW provided support in different

ways. The 37 AS for example provided airlift
to forward deployed units of the 86th and
other organizations. The 37 and its President William J. Clinton at Ramstein 5 May
1999
augmenting forces flew 323 missions;
airlifted 4,950,980 pounds of cargo and 2,080 During his visit the President confirmed
passengers to Tirane (5 April -30 June 99). the 86 AW's informal motto, “The World’s

On 5 May 1999, US President William Greatest Airlift Wing.”

Clinton, accompanied by Secretary of State As the year 2000 approached, the 89 and
Madeline Albright, Secretary of Defense the KMC devoted much attention to the
William Cohen, and Chairman of the Joint dreaded Y2K bug, but there were no
Chiefs of Staff Gen Henry Shelton and a large disruptions on the base.

34
 Communications Personnel waiting for the
Y2K crash which never happened

The New Millennium

On 1 January 2000, the Air Force working on civilian or military education and
introduced the concept of Air Expeditionary spending time with their families.
Forces, quickly known as AEFs, to respond The Balkans and Africa were much of the
to the increasing number of contingencies operational focus of the 86 AW in 2000. From
which called for worldwide deployments and March through April 2000, the 86 AW sent
to balance the workload for such seven 37 AS C-130s and crews Hoedspruit
deployments. The AEF concept attempted to Airfield, Limpopo, South Africa in support of
provide some measure of “predictability, " by Joint Task Force ATLAS RESPONSE. This
placing airmen either on call for deployment relief effort was carried out in southern
or actually deploying them for 90 days every Mozambique and South Africa following
15 months. torrential rains and flooding there. The 37th
The concept was intended to inform all flew over 170 sorties transporting over
personnel of the dates of their 90-day 600,000 pounds of cargo and 1,096
deployment period well in advance in order passengers.
for them to be adequately prepared. The
remaining 12 months of the 15 month AEF
cycle was to be spent performing routine
activities: training, participating in exercises,

35
 flew 39 sorties using this new capability to
search for displaced refugees so they could be
provided humanitarian assistance. Eventually
the wing received eight Keen Sage configured
aircraft.
At the same time, members of the 86th
Medical Group deployed to the nation of
37 AS C-130E Supporting Humanitarian
Operations Cameroon for exercise
MEDFLAG/BRILLIANT LION. 120 doctors
During ATLAS RESPONSE, a new and medical technicians administered 20,000
capability was provided by a 37 AS C-130E, immunizations and performed over 70
serial number 68-0938. It was the first USAF surgeries, and delivered and distributed over
C-130 to be equipped with the Keen Sage 50,000 pounds of medical supplies. In August
camera system. This system was mounted in 2001, the 86th Contingency Response Group
a metal-encased sphere, slightly larger than a deployed to Africa as part of Operation
basketball. It housed three sophisticated FOCUS RELIEF, the movement and support
video capture lenses, a daylight television, a of UN-mandated peace keeping operations in
955mm fixed focal length zoom and infrared Sierra Leone.
in six fields. Two operators performed On 17 August 2000, the 86th Wing moved
airborne sensor operations from a pallet a large contingent of U.S. soldiers to a staging
workstation which was strapped down in the base in Skopje, Macedonia, then on to Kosovo
cargo hold of the Hercules. The lenses as part of NATO’s IMMEDIATE READY
scanned full circle and along 90 degrees of FORCE. By 31 December 2000 the 86 AW,
elevation. The airborne camera operators supported by deployed C-130 units,
could beam live analog video and digitally- transported 5,000 tons of cargo and 30,604
captured still images back to a ground station, personnel to support US forces in Kosovo.
where it could be recorded and sent to relief In addition to the wing’s “on call” status
organizations and other users. to support any European crisis, the wing
ATLAS RESPONSE was the first positioned aircraft and medical personnel at
operational deployment of a C-130 with the emergency landing fields in Spain, Morocco
Keen Sage camera system, and the 37 C-130 and Banjul for every National Air and Space

36
Administration (NASA) Space Shuttle launch. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon for
The Wing also flew missions for the On-Site its actions from 1 September 1997, to 31
Inspection Agency as part of the Conventional August 1999. Additionally, the 86’s C-130
Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty. squadron, the 37th Airlift Squadron “Bluetail
May 2000 was a banner month for the Flies,” won the 2000 USAFE Best Airlift
86th. Air Force Chief of Staff General Mike Tanker Squadron award.
Ryan presented the 86th Airlift Wing with the

The Foreshadowing of the Global War on Terror

On 25 June 1996, a terrorist bomb During DETERMINED RESPONSE the

devastated the Khobar Towers complex within 76th Airlift Squadron provided operational
Saudi Arabia. The 86 AW deployed 30 support /airlift support for Secretary of State
aeromedical personnel in response to the Madeline Albright during her hasty return to
Khobar Towers bombing to assist with the the US on 7 and 8 August in order to conduct
evacuation of 59 casualties. At the time, the high level discussions about the bombings.
bombing was considered a random act of The personnel of the 75 AS also provided 100
terrorism. Little did the personnel of the wing life preservers and assisted in the launching
know that this bomb that foreshadowed a war of two AMC C-141s that were used to shuttle
against a covert enemy, the global terrorist. the wounded back to Ramstein Air Base

On 7 August 1998, terrorist bombs (AB).

damaged the US embassies in Nairobi, Kenya Aircrew members of the 86 AES joined
and Dar Es-Salaam, Tanzania. Over 200 Landstuhl's Critical Care Air Transport Team
persons lost their lives and 4,000 were injured aboard the aircraft. These individuals help
as a result of the blast. The 86th sent 51 triage the injured and provided in-flight
personnel to support the airlift portion, patient care for 10 Americans and 12
Determined Response of the Joint Task Force Kenyans seriously injured in the bombing.
Resolute Response. The 86th Aeromedical The 86 AES also assisted in providing litter
Evacuation Squadron, with C-141 support, support to and from the C-141 for further
evacuated US victims to the Landstuhl evaluation and care at the Landstuhl Regional
Regional Medical Center. Medical Center and for transport to state-side
hospitals. On 11 August 1998 the

37
Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC)
held a ceremony to honor the 11 fallen
American comrades, among them AF, SMSgt
Sherry Lynn Olds, age 40 from Panama City
Florida, and AF Civilian, Arlene Kirk, age 50
from South Bend, Indiana.

On 12 October 2000 the US Navy

destroyer USS Cole was attacked, while
refueling at the port at Aden, Yemen, by
terrorists. The latter pulled up close to the Cole The Mackay Trophy

in a small boat and detonated a bomb, which

The winners were
opened a 40 by 40 foot hole on its port side.
E10E1 Mission
The explosion killed 17 sailors and wounded
Lt Col Marlon Nailling
40 others. The Wing’s 86 AES and 37 AS Maj John Andrus
Maj Kathryn Drake
evacuated the 28 injured sailors (9 litter and 19
Maj David Sellars
ambulatory) from Yemen to Landstuhl Capt Richard Hunt
Capt Kevin Keith
Regional Medical Center for immediate
Capt Karey Dufour
lifesaving medical care. Both squadrons were Capt Karin Petersen
Capt Donna Fournier
recognized for their meritorious mission.
1Lt Lucas Jobe
The National Aeronautics Association chose SSgt Edward Franceschina
SSgt Heather Robertson
the two squadrons to share the Mackay
SSgt Bradley Atherton
Trophy for performing heroic rescue efforts SSgt Ryan Reller
SrA Chad Schusko
in record time for victims of the USS Cole
SSgt Brian Hoffmeyer
tragedy during the 6,000 mile round-trip E10E2 Mission
journey between Aden, Yemen, Djibouti, Col Byron Hepburn
Lt Col Linda Torrens
Africa and Ramstein, Germany. Aircrew Maj Jonas Allman
members responded brilliantly and launched Maj. Thomas Jenkins
Maj Lola Casby
two rescue C-9 crews within one hour of Maj Jeffrey Davis
alert. Capt Raymond Chehy
Capt Natalie Sykes
Capt Michael Smith
Capt Tim Carter

38
 1Lt Jennifer Bagozzi Maj Stephan A. Alkins, USA
SSgt Alan Wooldridge Capt Raymond M. Nudo,
SSgt Kelly Pollard USAF
SSgt Trent Arnold Capt Andrew J. Reynolds,
SSgt Juan Garza USAF
SrA Anna Duffner Capt Bernd T. Wegner, USAF
Critical Care Air Transport SSgt Chyrise M. Jenkins,
Team USAF
Col David Welling, USAF SSgt Christopher E. Whited,
USAF

The 86 AW’s New Mission: The Global War on Terror

On 11 September 2001, terrorists attacked The 86 AW and the KMC was stunned by
the twin towers of the World Trade Center in the 11 September attacks, and there was an
New York and the Pentagon. outpouring of sympathy from the German
community.

39
 Ramstein Air Base and other KMC Medical Center (LRMC) and initiated the
installations went to a high state of alert and a initial steps to prepare building 2117
number of establishments were put off limits (Ramstein’s South Side Fitness Center) for
to reduce the possibility of further terrorist contingency use as an Aeromedical Staging
incidents. There were no immediate new Facility. The day after the president’s
taskings for the 86 AW, still it was clear that announcement, the 86th Maintenance Group
America would be striking back and that the 86 and the 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron
AW would play a significant role in that effort. Traffic Management Office configured 3.4
The first military response to the 11 million pounds of cargo in just 120 hours, and
September 2001 terrorist attacks on the began moving munitions for deployment.
United States came on 7 October 2001 It was This was an operation that normally took 30
assigned the name Operation ENDURING days. In November 2002, 29 members of the
FREEDOM and was aimed at the destruction 86th Civil Engineering Group were deployed
of terrorist training camps and infrastructure to Ganci Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, to prepare for
within Afghanistan, the capture of al Qaeda possible operations in Iraq.
leaders, and the cessation of terrorist In December, the tempo increased
activities in Afghanistan. further. A request was sent from the Southern
On 12 March 2002 Detachment 1, at European Task Force which requested the 86
Chievres, was inactivated and replaced by the CRG to evaluate eight airfields in northern
309 AS which was activated the same date Iraq. On 27 December members of the
and assigned to the 86 OG. The remainder of Youngstown, Ohio 757th Airlift Reserve
2002 was overshadowed by the military Squadron, 910th Airlift Wing, arrived to join
response to 9/11. That response escalated the Selfridge, Michigan Air National Guard’s
further on 16 October 2002 when President 1637th Airlift Squadron, 127 AW, as part of
Bush signed the newly passed Congressional the 86th Airlift Wing’s 38th Airlift Squadron
Resolution for the “Authorization for the Use (Provisional). With the new arrivals, the
of Military Force Against Iraq.” This was the combined forces and assets of the 38 (P)
beginning of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Squadron totaled 154 personnel and four C-
As soon as this occurred, the 86th 130 aircraft. The 38 AS (P) took primarily
Medical Group initiated planning for a 150- responsibility for providing airlift for forces
bed expansion of the Landstuhl Regional

40
in Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of On 11 March 2003, the 86 AW’s 38th
Operation JOINT FORGE. Airlift Squadron (Provisional) Squadron,

The high operations tempo continued in operating from Constanta, Romania, flew its

2003. On 3 January the 86th Materiel first Operation IRAQI FREEDOM mission.

Maintenance Squadron (MMS) began Initially 38th (P) Squadron flew missions

moving War Readiness Materiel (WRM) for with just 4 aircraft. As these missions began

deployment. Over the next eight months, the help was on the way. A few days earlier, on

86 MMS shipped 8,340 tons of WRM to 13 3 March, the 757th Airlift Reserve Squadron,

locations in 9 countries. By August every 910 Airlift Wing, Youngstown, Ohio, and the

USAFE location that supported Operation 1637th Airlift Squadron, 123th Airlift Wing,

IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation Kentucky Air National Guard, Louisville,

ENDURING FREEDOM had received Kentucky, were called to active duty for one

WRM from the 86 MMS. The 86 MMS also year to join 38 (P) Squadron. The units

deployed seven members to various arrived between 21 and 27 March. The influx

contingency locations to include Karshi- of personnel and equipment increased 38 (P)

Khanabad, Uzbekistan, and Bagram, Squadron from four C-130s and 154

Afghanistan. personnel to 10 C-130s and 306 personnel.

On 14 February, the 37th Airlift On 17 March, President Bush delivered

Squadron began using its Keen Sage an ultimatum to Saddam Hussein that he and

equipped C-130s to conduct observation his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours.

missions over Iraq in preparation for possible Saddam refused. On 20 March, the 86th

action. The squadron flew a total of 14 Contingency Response Group went through

missions, most at night, covering 5 to 15 the 86th Airlift Wing Deployment Control

targets per flight. To honor this operation, the Center, Personnel Deployment Function, and

crews gave themselves the name of the “37th Vehicle Deployment Function in less than

Airlift Reconnaissance Squadron.” three hours, again a record time.

Fight’s On…

41
 On 20 March the Coalition’s began its air transfer to the Landstuhl Regional Medical
assault on Baghdad, and Coalition Forces Center.
began the invasion of Iraq. The 86 AW’s The 86’s 37 AS aircraft also began to
participation began on March 27, 2003, with make deliveries to the forward base in
the departure of 20 members of the 86th Constanta, Romania on 6 April. In the
Expeditionary Contingency Response Group, ensuing week the squadron delivered 57 tons
from Aviano Air Base, Italy. They and 58 passengers to Constanta in just seven
parachuted into Bashur airfield in northern missions. Beyond this the squadron’s 19
Iraq, to prepare the field for airlift operations. crews continued to fly round the clock
The 86 ECRG team parachuted into Bashur missions averaging 4.5 missions per day.
with 1000 “sky soldiers” of the 173d On 14 April, the 38 (P) began to fly
Airborne Brigade. This was one of the Stage Operations from Souda Bay, Crete.
largest airborne combat insertion since the Their first mission in Iraq was to airlift US
1989 Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama. Marines into Erbil in an effort to seal off the
The initial cadre was followed by 200 more Iraq-Syrian border. A few days later, 17
members from the 86 ECRG and the 86th April, the Bashur Airfield, which the 86 CRG
Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron. had secured, opened and the first shipment of
Another 86 AW unit, the 37th Airlift Squadron humanitarian aid arrived. It was destined for
flew into the airfield with its C-130E Hercules residents near Kirkuk, Iraq. During the 27
shortly thereafter. The first Hercules landed days of operation of this airfield the 86th
at 1400 on 7 April 2003 and delivered 593 Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron
members of the 86 AW who had processed received more than 370 fixed wing arrivals
through as many as five mobility lines at once and departures, 4,200 personnel, and
at the outset of their deployment. US 21,500,000 pounds of cargo.
casualties were evacuated to Ramstein, often By 22 April the last aircraft transited
by 86 AW units, the 37 AS and the 86 AES. Bashur Airfield and four days later, on 26
By August 2003 the 86 AW units had April, the 86th Contingency Response Group
flown more than 30 medical evacuation Commander, Col Steven Weart, notified
missions back to Ramstein. Once they were higher headquarters, that Bashur Field, Iraq
on the ground, critical care transport teams was now closed for air traffic. This was a
provided acute care and managed patient unique situation since the 86 CRG normally

42
turned its bases over for further operations. Annual Moscow Air Show. These were the
This marked the first time that the 86 CRG first US military aircraft ever to participate in
closed a base that it had opened. an air show in Russia. On 30 August, four of
On 3 May 2003 the 37th Airlift Squadron the 737th Aeromedical Evacuation
and 38 Squadron (P) established Constanta, Squadron’s C-9A Nightingales were sent to
Romania, Stage Operations. Flying from the Aerospace Maintenance and
Constanta to Kirkuk, Iraq, the 38th Airlift Regeneration Center, also known as the
Squadron (P) flew its first mission on 3 May “bone yard.” On 27 September 2003, the last
and its last mission on 24 May, the last time C-9A of the unit was retired but was sent to
the unit would fly into Iraq in support of the Reserves. On 1 October the 737th was
IRAQI FREEDOM. On 10 July 2003 38 (P) inactivated and its personnel were absorbed
Squadron flew its last Operation IRAQI into the other units of the 86th Operations
FREEDOM support mission. Group. To help replace the C-9As, four C-
Not all of the 86 AW activity in 2003 21A Learjets were modified to accommodate
was combat related. In the spring, a C-130E a portable medical pallet called Spectrum to
from the 37 AS flew to Moscow with other allow the aircraft to perform the medical
aircraft from USAF to participate in the Sixth evacuation mission.

2004: A Major Reorganization

At the beginning of 2004 the 86th Airlift Communications Group, and 86th
Wing was the largest wing in the Air Force, Contingency Response Group. The support
and its sheer size raised various management function was taken over by the 435th Air
issues. On 15 January 2004, the 86 AW was Base Wing, which became the overall host
split into three wings as part of an base unit at Ramstein, with mission support,
arrangement arrived at in 2003 to increase security forces, communications, civil
organizational efficiency based on a pattern engineering, logistics readiness and medical
used by several units in the states. The 86 groups. A third wing, the 38th Combat
AW became Ramstein Air Base’s operational Support Wing, commanded support and
arm with the 86th Operations Group, the 86th geographically separated units.
Maintenance Group, 86th Air and Space

43
 While it supported the Global War on especially aircrew, were deployed to Ali Al
Terrorism in the Middle East and East Asia, Salem Air Base, Kuwait, where they served
much of the 86 AW’s focus was on Africa, as part of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing.
which was in the US European Command Many of their combat missions were flown
(USEUCOM) area of responsibility. On 28 into Bagdad International Airport and Balad
February 2004, C-130s from the 37 AS Air Base, both in Iraq.
joined a humanitarian effort to bring supplies In October 2004, two C-130s from the 37
to Al Hoceima Province in northern AS deployed to Kigali, Rwanda, near the
Morocco. On 13 March 2004, in a “rush Darfur region of Sudan, to provide support
delivery,” two C-130s from the 37 AS and security to the United Nations agencies
delivered more than 19 tons of humanitarian and non-government organizations in the
aid to Chad. The mission, which under region. During the deployment the crews
normal circumstances would have taken transported 380 African Union troops and
several days to plan, was planned and the 3,000 tons of supplies. To close out the year,
aircraft launched in less than one hour. On 6 Ramstein C-130s supported the International
June 2004, three 37 AS C-130s participated Security Assistance force, the NATO
in a parachute drop with 13 other USAF rebuilding of Afghanistan.
airlifters to commemorate the 60 anniversary On 23 February 2005 President George
of D-Day. Bush visited Ramstein as part of a “fence
During a two week operation in March mending” trip with European leaders, as
2004 the 37 AS and the 86th Contingency Ramstein personnel continued to support
Support Group moved 252 tons of cargo and Global War on Terrorism operations in
357 US Army soldiers into Timbuktu, Mali, Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf in the Air
in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Expeditionary Force. At the time over 1,100
In August 2004, the 86 AW increased its Ramstein personnel were either deployed, on
support of the Global War on Terrorism as the way to their deployment, or just returning
wing personnel began to deploy as part of the from a deployment.
Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) In July 2005, the 86 AW deployed three
“downrange,” the euphemism for the Persian C-130s from the 37 AS and about 40
Gulf region or the areas in and around personnel to Kigali, Rwanda, in support of
Afghanistan. Most of the Ramstein airmen, NATO missions in Darfur. In October the 37

44
AS returned many of the African Union transporting the Iraqi leaders from around the
troops to Rwanda. The deployment was country to the capital for Iraqi’s first
similar to one undertaken in October 2004, democratic election and the creation of the
when C-130s carried African Union troops Iraqi constitution. By February 2006, 23d
on a 13 hour flight to Sudan where they were Squadron was flying two missions each day
to provide security for aid distribution to help the busy U.S. C-130 squadrons. The
operations in the area. flying missions were successful, but at the
In August 2005, aircrew and maintainers same time the Iraqi maintainers, trained by
from the 37 AS and the 86th Maintenance 86th personnel, were able to maintain the
Squadron began to train members of the aircraft on their own. By July 2006, 23
newly reconstituted Iraqi Air Force to fly the Squadron was fully operational and the 37
C-130E Hercules. The Iraqis new C-130 AS personnel returned to Ramstein.
squadron consisted of three C-130Es sent to On 10 October 2005, Rhein-Main Air
Iraq from Ramstein. The 86 AW Base closed and Ramstein Air Base now
Commander, Gen Robert Kane, later served designated “The Gateway to Europe.”
as Commander of the Iraq Training and Another bit of good news for Ramstein came
Advising Mission AF and presided over the on 9 December when, to the delight of about
transfer of the C-130 mission to the Iraqi AF 3,000 soccer fans partying at Kaiserslautern’s
in October 2009. The 37 AS was based at Stiftsplatz, it was announced that the US
New Al Muthana Air Base and was dubbed national soccer teams would play its first
23d Squadron and, in late August, 23d rounds games in the FIFA World Cup in
Squadron completed its first mission, Kaiserslautern. It was quickly decided that
airlifting Iraqi troops into a combat operation. the US team would be quartered at Ramstein
Another benchmark for 23d Squadron was Air Base.

2006: Ramstein “Best in the Air Force”

A big day for Ramstein and the 86 AW commander, announced that Ramstein won
occurred on 4 April 2006. Brigadier General the 2006 Air Force Commander in Chief’s
Rob Kane, 86th Airlift Wing and Annual Award for Installation Excellence.
Kaiserslautern Military Community That same day, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe

45
Inspector General announced the 86 AW major operations and 15 deployments in 30
earned an overall rating of “Excellent” for its countries. At the same time the 86 AW
first Operational Readiness Inspection in nine continued operations in the Balkans where it
years. flew 465 combat sorties in support of

On 5 May, Undersecretary of Defense Operations JOINT FORGE and JOINT

for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics GUARDIAN. Additionally, the wing

Kenneth J. Krieg presented Ramstein Air supported Operation AFRICAN

Base with the 2006 Commander in Chief’s MOVEMENT in Sudan, with 10 total

Annual Award for Installation Excellence deployed aircraft moving 1,821 Rwandan

during a ceremony at the Pentagon. Team peacekeeping forces and 150,000 pounds of

Ramstein was led by Colonel Richard equipment to stabilize the strife-torn Darfur

Johnston, the 86th Airlift Wing and KMC region. The 86 AW also supported Central

commander, and accompanied by about 30 Command Operations ENDURING

Ramstein members from all ranks, including FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM with a

a civilian and a NATO representative. The “steady state” deployment. The wing flew

group was welcomed to Washington 3 May over 3,000 combat sorties, delivering 29,744

with an Air Force ceremony and office call warfighters and 4,868 tons of cargo to the

with Secretary of the Air Force, Mr. Michael frontline, while also treating over 1,300

W. Wynne, and senior leaders including combat wounded at contingency aeromedical

General T. Michael Moseley, Air Force Chief staging facilities.

of Staff and Major General Mark Anderson, In July 2006, the 86 CRG participated in
the head of the installation excellence the evacuation of American citizens from
inspection team. Lebanon when the Israelis launched an

The 86 AW was also commended by incursion into southern Lebanon and large

USAFE for its actions from January 15, 2004 scale fighting resulted. The 86 CRG aided the

to October 31, 2005, as it led European evacuation, but by the end of July Ramstein

Command’s theater airlift force in fighting also served as a collection and departure

and sustaining the Global War on Terrorism. point for over 1800 of the evacuees who were

The 86 AW flew over 14,000 sorties, during returning to the US.

which it delivered 43,521 passengers and In July 2006, the 37 AW received two
36,000 tons of cargo, while supporting 7 additional C-130Es from Yokota Air Base in

46
Japan, bringing Ramstein’s total number to the wings actual missions for higher
17. In another acquisition, the 86AW headquarters were flown by the 38 (P) Delta
obtained a single C-40B previously operated squadron. However, towards the end of the
by the 89AW at Andrews AFB to replace the year an influx of C-130Es from other units, the
C-9A Nightingale which was retired in 2005. return of many aircraft from depot
The C-40B, 01-0040, was configured as an maintenance, and the cut of the number of
airborne command post and was not used on crews and aircraft meant that the 86 AW was
medical evacuation missions, unlike the C- once more flying a full load of missions.
9A that it replaced. During part of the year the runway was
As the year ended, the 37 AS was tasked also closed at Chievres, Belgium, the home of
to increase the number of C-130Es it the 309 AS, which supported SACEUR.
deployed “downrange” from two to four. During this time the unit had to fly from
This had serious ramifications given the Cherloi, Belgium. Another OSA aircraft, the
aging C-130E fleet. C-20, was deployed for the first time

The first half of 2007 posed maintenance “downrange” and had a very successful tour.

challenges for the 86 AW. Four C-130Es were

deployed and with the number of C-130s in the
depot the number of available C-130s for
flying was severely limited. Indeed, most of

47
 76 AS/86 AW C-20H Deployed Crew

On 2 February; the 86 CRG sent a team recover the remains, and they were returned to
to Chad, Africa to help USAID with ongoing Ramstein to be returned to their families.
humanitarian operations. Much of the wing’s activities in 2007
While the 86 AW participated in focused on Theater Security Cooperation,
numerous events in 2007, one of the most where 86 AW Airmen worked with friendly
touching was a flight by one of the 38 (P) Delta nations to exchange information and prepare to
Squadron’s C-130s to Tripoli, Libya, which work together in the future, as well as Off
had once been home to a major American air Station Training.
base, Wheelus. When the United States was One of the major focuses of the Theater
forced to leave, it left behind in a cemetery Security Cooperation was on the Ukraine as
which held the remains of 72 dependents, all the 86 AW established a “sister unit”
still born babies or infants. With the improving relationship with the 25 Guards Regiment
atmosphere between the governments of Libya flying the Il-76 transport.
and the United States, the 86 AW was told to
From January 31- February 3, members of
proceed to the Libyan Capitol, Tripoli, and
the Ukrainian Air Force visited Ramstein and
recover the remains. A team led by General
the 86 AW. They were hosted by the 86 AW
Johnston flew to Libya on 1 March 2007 to

48
commander, General Johnston. From 13-16
February an 86 AW team went to

Ukrainian Air Force 237 Guards Regiment Il-76

Melitopol Air Base, the home of the 237 near Banja Lake, Bosnia, an event that was
Guards, for a site survey for a follow on visit viewed by the Bosnian president and the Chief
by the 37 AS. The visit was followed by of Bosnian General Staff.
another visit from 12-14 November led by During 2007 the wing added the 496th
General Johnston to formally establish the ABS, Moron AB, Spain to the 86 OG and the
“sister unit” relationship and assist the 38 CST to the 86 CRG, where it became the
Ukrainian Air Force as they became the 86 CST. The 496 ABS was to prove
official component of the Joint Rapid Reaction especially challenging, since it was on a
Force. Spanish Eurofighter base and had a relatively
Russia was another area where Theater small (approximately 96 personnel) US
Security Cooperation Events took place. From contingent and relatively little in the way of
13-27 August, a C-130 from the 37 AS took support structure. The 86 CST mainly
part in the Moscow Air Show at Ramenskoye, consisted of local nationals, but efforts were
Russia; the fourth largest in the world and in quickly undertaken to add a larger American
December a delegation from the Russian Air contingent so it could perform operations
Force visited the 86 AW. outside of Germany.

On August 2, the 37 AS supported airdrop

operations by dropping Bosnian paratroopers

49
 The wing also began to look forward to In 2008, the wing experienced both
replacing its old C-130Es with new C-130Js. triumph and loss. On August 11, Russia
The transition was scheduled for April 2009. began an invasion of its neighboring country

Aircraft noise continued to be a major Georgia. The 86 AW had Airman from both

issue with the surrounding community. the CRG and ACOMG on the ground in

General Johnston, like General Kane before Georgia, and soon the 37 AS C-130Es began

him, took a very active role in discussing the to fly humanitarian aid into the country while

issues with the local mayors and the local many of the 86 AW Airmen remained in

communities to make sure they understood place and performed their duties. Then, on

what the base was doing to keep noise under September 22, tragedy struck. Major Rodolfo

control within the boundaries of mission "Rod" Rodriguez was killed by a truck bomb

accomplishment. in Islamabad, Pakistan, outside the Marriott

Hotel. Rodriquez, a 34-year-old Air Force
The reorganization of 2005, when the 435
Academy Graduate and commander of the
ABW and 86 AW split, was partially undone,
Contingency Training Flight, 86th
at the end of 2007 when the position of
Construction and Training Squadron became
Installation Commander was assigned to the
the first Ramstein Airman to die in support of
435 ABW/CC, Colonel Earl Matthews. In
Operation Enduring Freedom and the first
December 2007 General Johnston turned
Ramstein Airman to die in combat since
over command to Colonel William Bender,
World War II.
and with the departure of General Johnston
and the assumption of command by Colonel At the beginning of 2008, the increased

Bender the KMC Commander position was numbers of C-130s available made it possible

turned over, on a temporary basis, to the 435 for the wing to resume flying HHQ directed

ABW/CC. There were no physical missions around the USAFE AOR and the

movements associated with these changes, wing began to fly a 24/7 schedule. At the

and permanent changes were to be made in same time, the arrival of the C-130Js drew

2008 by the USAFE/CC. closer and the wing put on a full scale
planning push and began construction on C-
130J infrastructure.

50
 2009 A Year of Great Achievements

By 2008 it had become clear that the Another great achievement in 2009 was
reorganization of 2003 had not yielded the the retirement of C-130E aircraft and the
kind of efficient organizational structure that transition, beginning in April, to the bigger,
had been hoped for. In 2008 restructuring faster, and stronger C-130J Super Hercules in
was in the works once again. Under the 2008 the 86 AW. The end of the C-130E at
plan the command was streamlined into a Ramstein came on 2 November 2009 when
single command chain to a single airfield Tail No. 72-1299 left for its new home at
authority with a flying wing focused on flight Powdiz Air Base in Poland. On 19 December
line operations. The wing organizational the first C-130J Super Hercules mission was
structure and mission also changed in 2009 flown. On that day Maj. Robert May of the
when the 4337th Air Base Wing was 37th Airlift Squadron, and his crew flew into
redesignated as the 4337th Air Ground Mali to bring home 17 troops who had been
Operations Wing, and the 431st Air Base assisting with training Malian forces.
Group was inactivated. The 435 AGOW The changes that took place in 2009
assumed mission areas performed by greatly enhanced the ability of the 86 AW to
elements of the 86th, while mission areas continue to provide theater airlift support for
previously performed by the 435 ABW were U.S. European Command and U.S. African
assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing. The 86th, Command missions, aeromedical evacuation
one of the largest wings in the Air Force, support, airlifting wounded warriors back to
became the host wing for Ramstein Air Base. the United States, and operational support
airlift through distinguished visitor support.

51
 C-130J Super Hercules

2010 witnessed a good deal of activity. Center. It stood up on 1 July 2010 and has
The 86th played a role in Operation since that time provided world-class
ENDURING FREEDOM supporting the reintegration and decompression for over
Commander of the International Security 4,350 Air Force, USMC and Navy
Assistance Force in Afghanistan. The 86th redeployers from multiple mission sets or
AW also continued with partnership building AFSCs/MOSs who were at high risk to
in places such as Bulgaria, Rumania, and traumatic exposure (e.g., Explosive
Poland. From 4 to 7 December, Two C-130J Ordinance, Security Forces, medics,
Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th JTACs/TACPs) while deployed to the
Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, CENTCOM AOR. Humanitarian missions
Germany, delivered 65 tons of fire retardant continued in 2011.
to Israel. This was part of a joint U.S. From 26 February to 16 March C130Js
European Command and U.S. Air Forces in of the 37 AS flew 28 sorties transporting 628
Europe effort to assist the Israeli government refugees and 46.4 tons of cargo in Tunisia
deal with what was considered the worst and Egypt. From 19 to 23 March the 37th
wildfire since the country's founding in 1948. Airlift Squadron participated in Operation
Another significant development in 2010 ODYSSEY DAWN to protect the Libyan
was the establishment of the Department of people from Moammar Gadhafi’s regime.
Defense’s only Deployment Transition The squadron successfully completed 22
52
missions, logging 149 flight hours during Ceremony honoring Lt. Meli in Schopp
which it moved 278 cargo tons and 450
On 29 October, the AW supported
passengers.
international humanitarian relief efforts in
2011 was marred by yet another tragedy
Libya at the request of the Department of
that occurred on 2 March when a member of
State and by direction of the Secretary of
the 86 AW family, A1C Zachary Cuddeback,
Defense, USAFRICOM. The 86 AW
was killed by a terrorist at Frankfurt
transported four wounded Libyans to
International Airport.
Ramstein for treatment in medical facilities
in Europe and 28 for further transportation
and to and treatment in the United States.

Airmen load cargo into a C-130J Super

Hercules for its departure in support of Joint
Task Force ODYSSEY DAWN in March2011

On September 24 the citizens of Schopp

unveiled a memorial in honor of 1Lt
Salvatore Meli who had sacrificed his life in
order to save the town from a catastrophe on Airmen from the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation
14 November 1956 when he successfully Squadron and a Critical Care Air Transport Team
from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center unload
maneuvered his stricken F-86 jet away from wounded Libyan fighters from a C-130J
the town and crashed on the outskirts of the Hercules.

Community of Schopp instead.

The Operational tempo of the 86 AW
continued unabated in 2012 as it supported
AFCENT, EUROCOM and AFRCIOM
missions. The first quarter of the year was
also marked by recognition for the
achievements of the 86 AW or its subordinate
elements. On 2 March Rhineland-Pfalz, at a
ceremony on base, attended by numerous

53
dignitaries, Minister President Kurt Beck In 2013 The 86 AW continued to
presented a streamer to Brigadier General support Operation Enduring Freedom in
Hyde commemorating the Wing’s 60 years of addition to supporting other tasking needs
service in Rhineland-Pfalz. from CENTCOM. Beyond that the 86th
continued to assist African countries in a
variety of ways. On 10 July the first trans-
Atlantic adult patient movement was carried
out from Ramstein to San Antonio. From 10-
12 September 2013, members of the 86th
Aerospace Medicine Squadron visited the
Nigerian Defense College (NDC) in Abuja
Nigeria.
Rhineland-Pfalz Minister President Kurt Beck The purpose of the visit was to
and Brigadier General Charles K. Hyde, 86 AW
commander, placing streamer commemorating discuss the development of an Aerospace
60 years of service on Wing Guide-on
Physiology and Human Performance
On 31 March the Ramstein Chapel program by Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The
Ministry Team was selected as the winner of NAF goal was to develop core medical
the Charles I. Carpenter Award as the best competencies, and then train all physicians as
large chapel program in the Air Force. Later Flight Surgeons. The Wing also continued to
in September the 86 AW was once again support humanitarian efforts and on 20
called upon to spring into action in Libya. December 2013 the 37 AS delivered sorely
This time, though, it involved the dignified needed supplies and personnel to the Central
transfer of the remains of US State African Republic as part of an international
Department Personnel who had been killed in peacekeeping mission. In 2014 the 86 AW
Benghazi. The remains brought to Ramstein continued to provide support for CENTCOM
on 12 September and flown to Andrews Air operations in Afghanistan in addition to
Force Base on 14 September. providing operational support for a variety of
On 5 October 2012 The 309th Airlift missions in Africa. In the fall of 2014 when
Squadron was inactivated and the 424th Air the EBOLA outbreak reached crisis
Base Squadron was activated at Chievres Air proportions, the 37 AS was tasked to ferry
Base Belgium. badly needed supplies to Liberia in order to

54
help combat the epidemic. The 86 AW Spence Stone of the 65 ABG and two other
“enabled nearly 10,000 United States Americans subdued a Moroccan terrorist
Transportation Command’s strategic airlift aboard an Amsterdam to Paris train. AIC
and air refueling missions from Ramstein Air Stone also attended to and saved the life of a
Base Germany. Ramstein Air Base Airmen fellow passenger who had been wounded by
of the 86th Airlift Wing immediately the terrorist. A1C Stone was transported to
responded to the West African Ebola Ramstein AB on a C-20H for medical
outbreak spearheading the initial airlift of treatment at Landstuhl Regional Medical
humanitarian and medical aid to the region in Center. This was the first time that a C-20H
all generating 114 missions responsible for had been utilized for Aeromedical
delivering over 2,000 tons of medical Evacuation.
supplies and deploying over 1,000 personnel In 2016 the 86 AW continued to support
in an effort to contain the deadly epidemic” 1 operations in EURCOM, AFRICOM and
In 2015 the 86 AW continued to support CENTCOM. The 76 AS operated on four
missions in the CENTCOM area of continents with a 10 day C-21 a mission to
responsibility and Africa. In the latter case Africa, combat deployment to Afghanistan
the 86th Operations Group provided support and they provided support to the U.S.
during President Obama’s two week Treasury Secretary Jacob L. Lew for his
diplomatic initiative in Africa. On 9 August travel to China for the G-20 Economic
2015 personnel worked together on an Summit.
aeromedical evacuation mission to save lives In 2017 the 86 AW received the Air Force
of service members injured in Kabul, Outstanding Unit Award for 1 January 2014
Afghanistan. On 14 August 2015 the 86 AW to 31 December 2015 for exceptionally
underwent an organizational change when meritorious service in response to the West
the 65th Air Base Wing at Lajes Field, African Ebola outbreak. In 2017 the 86 AW
Azores Portugal was redesignated as the 65th continued to work with allied forces in
Air Base Group and assigned to the 86 AW. Exercise Thracian Spring 17. The Bulgaria
Just one week later, on 21 August, A1C and the United States were able to train

1
(U) Citation to accompany the award of the Air
Force Outstanding Unit Award to 86 Airlift Wing.
2017.

55
together and enhance their combined air Stalag Luft II on 24 March 1944 and were
operations. The 76 AS returned from Kabul arrested and shot near Ramstein, Germany.
Airfield in Afghanistan with the C-20H after On 28 August 2017 the last C-20H left
a six-month deployment. In 2017, the 86 AW Ramstein AB in a disbanding ceremony with
continued to support commemorative events the 76 AS.
such as Memorial Day and D-Day 73. On 1
July 2017 a memorial was placed outside the
West Gate of Ramstein Air Force Base. This
memorial was dedicated to Squadron Leader
Roger Bushell of the Royal Air Force and
Sous-Lieutenant Bernard Scheidhauer of the
Free French Air Force. These men were part
of the 76 Allied Airmen who escaped from

History of Subordinate Units

Three Squadrons, the 86 OSS, the 37 AS, and the 76 AS were assigned to the 86th Operations
Group (OG) in 1991, 1992 and 1993 respectively. These units had a long standing lineage and
honors and had amassed a proud history while assigned to other commands. The histories of the
units are chronicled here to cover the time from the activation of the units until they were
assigned to the 86 OG.

The 86th Operations Support Squadron

The 86th Operation Support Squadron
was initially constituted as the 86th Airdrome
Squadron (AS) on 16 February 1943. It was
activated on 1 March1943 and assigned to the
Third Air Force. The Squadron was stationed
at Hunter Field, GA, from1 March until 7
December 1943. On 2 March 1944 the 86 AS
Lineage was assigned to the Tenth Air Force in the

56
India-Burma Theater. From 8 March 1944 squadrons, it was essential that facilities were
until 16 May 1944 the 86 AS was stationed at set up that would maintain the aircraft and
Pandaveswar, India. From 16 May 1944 until keep supply lines flowing. Men and parts
1 June 1944 at Kalaikundah, India; from 1 were needed. “Supply of attack units by air
June 1944 until 4 October 1944 at Dinjan, would be difficult due to the need to carry
India. In July the Squadron was assigned to large numbers of bombs, but supply of
the 14 AF. From 4 October 1944 until 27 advanced airdromes can quite readily be
July 1945 at Myitkyina, Burma; and from 27 accomplished by air” 2 The Tenth Air Force
July until 26 December 1945, when it was wanted to use Myitkyina airdrome in Burma
inactivated, at Luliang, China. The 86 AS as a main operating location into China. The
was disbanded on 8 October 1948. The 86th Airdrome Squadron supported airlift
Squadron was reconstituted and redesignated operations in the China Burma India Theater.
as the 86th Operations Support Squadron, Their assignment to Myitkyina, Burma on 4
and activated on 1 May 1991, and assigned to October 1944 was essential as it was
the 86 FW at Ramstein AB. The 86th necessary for the United States to hold that
Operations Support Squadron (86 OSS) was area so that airlift tonnages could be
formed under the Air Force Chief of Staff increased. The Japanese had captured
directed test program. It is the first of its kind Myitkyina on 8 May 1942 and this was an
in USAFE. important loss to allied forces. Equipment,
Campaign Streamers. supplies and men had to take a longer route
World War II to arrive in the theater. The United States
India-Burma recaptured the area in May 1944.
China Offensive.

Airlift operations were critical in

World War II to keep supply lines open in
China Burma India. Because of the distance
and the need to support a large amount of .

2
Maj H.H.C. Richards, supply officer, 1st Report of Supply Officer, Virginia Beach Maneuvers,
Provisional Squadron, Air Corps Tactical School, 18-20 May 1928, n.d., 1.

57
 The 37th Airlift Squadron
(1942-1991)

airborne assaults on Italy, Normandy,

Holland, and Germany; aerial transportation
in Mediterranean Theater of Operations
(MTO) and European Theater of Operations
(ETO). The 37 TCS participated in the initial
invasion of Normandy on D-Day, as a part of
Operation Neptune, Mission Boston. The 37
TCS left England just before midnight on the
The 37th Troop Carrier Squadron June 5, 1944. According to the June 1944 37
(TCS), according to Col Brian J. Duddey, TCS history:
USAF Ret., helped to “pioneer combat zone
airlift, flying alone through hostile skies into Eighteen combat crews participated
in the initial invasion on D-Day. One
flak and fighters to deliver their cargo to of the very first squadrons to cross
desert airfields still sown with mines and the invasion coast; paratroops and
parapacks were dropped at 01:57
munitions.” 3 The Squadron was constituted hours on the 6th of June 1944.
as the 37th Transport Squadron on 2 February
The mission was a complete success
1942 at Patterson Field Ohio, and activated and all crews and planes returned
on 14 February 1942. On 4 July 1942 it was safely. Several planes were damaged
by flack and machine gun fire. The
redesignated as the 37th Troop Carrier following morning, 7 June 1944,
Squadron. The squadron was assigned to the thirteen planes were used to drop
parapacks, containing ammunition
316th Transport (later 316 Troop Carrier) and rations for the troops landed the
Group from 14 February 1942–8 May 1952. morning previous. Due to dense
instrument weather, three planes had
In November 1942 the 37 TCS was deployed to return to the base but the other ten
to Egypt planes carried out he mission
successfully.

During World War II, the 37 TCS Five of these planes were damaged
by machine gun fire and flak. There
participated in Operations which included was one personal injury the

3
Duddey, Brian J., INVASION STRIPES:The War of American Military Airlift, ISBN: 978-0-615-
Time Diary of Captain Uhrig, USAAF and the Dawn 62814-1, 2012.

58
 navigator on one plane, Captain
Joseph M. Rieger was wounded in
the left leg by enemy fire, and was
taken to the hospital to have the
bullet removed.

The result was that the 82d Airborne

Division's missions involving the 37 TCS
was carried out according to plan. That
mission was the capture of Ste, Mere-Eglise,
and success there was due in part to the
exceptionally good drop of the 505th
In December, the 37 TCS participated
Parachute Infantry northwest of the city.
in the Battle of the Bulge by releasing gliders
Most of the regiment's planes were initially
with supplies for the 101st Airborne Division
scattered like those of other Troop Carrier
near Bastogne. On 23 June 1948 the 37 TCS
Squadrons, but they were able to circle back
was redesignated as the 37th Troop Carrier
and release the paratroopers over the drop
Squadron, Medium; and a little over a year
zone which had been clearly marked by 505
later, on 8 October 1949 it was redesignated
pathfinders.
37th Troop Carrier Squadron, Heavy. On 28
January 1950 it was once again redesignated
After the Normandy invasion the
as 37th Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium. In
squadron ferried supplies in the United
the Korean War the 37 TCS flew airborne
Kingdom. The squadron also hauled food,
assaults at Sukchon/Sunchon and Munsan-ni,
clothing, medicine, gasoline, ordnance
and performed aerial transportation between
equipment, and other supplies to the front
Japan and Korea.
lines and evacuated patients to rear zone
The 37 TCS was inactivated on 18 June
hospitals. It dropped paratroops near
1957. On 17 May 1966 the 37 TCS was
Nijmegen and towed gliders carrying
activated once again, redesignated as 37th
reinforcements during the airborne attack on
Troop Carrier Squadron, and assigned to the
the Netherlands.
Tactical Air Command. The newly activated
Squadron was organized on 1 October 1966
and assigned to the 316th Troop Carrier

59
Wing. Then on 1 May 1967 it was World War II: Egypt-Libya; Tunisia;
redesignated as 37th Tactical Airlift Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Normandy;
Squadron. From 19 November 1968, until 1 Northern France; Rhineland; Central
October 1994, with the exception of 15 Europe. Korea: UN Offensive with
months when it was deployed to Taiwan, the Arrowhead; CCF Intervention; First UN
37 TCS operated alternately out of Counteroffensive with Arrowhead; CCF
Mildenhall RAF, England or Rhein-Main AB Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall
Germany. Offensive; Second Korean Winter.
While deployed to 6 December 1972-15 Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia;
March 1973 Taiwan (6 December 1972-15 Liberation and Defense of Kuwait.
March 1973), crews of the squadron flew to Kosovo: Air Campaign.
Hanoi on 17 February 1973 in support of
Decorations.
Operation Homecoming, the participate
Distinguished Unit Citations: Middle East,
repatriation of American prisoners of war.
25 November 1942–25 August 1943;
The repatriated US service men were ferried
France, [6–7] June 1944; Korea, 28
to Clark AB, Philippines.
November–10 December 1950.
The 37 TCS participated in airlift
Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards
operations during Operation Desert
1 May 1967–30 Apr 1969; 1 May 1970–30
Shield/Storm in Southwest Asia, 14 August
Apr 1972; 1 May 1972–30 Apr 1974; 15 Sep
1990–29 March 1991.
1975–30 Apr 1977; 1 Jul 1978–30 Jun 1980;
On 1 April 1992 the 37th Tactical Airlift
1 Jul 1981–30 Jun 1983; 1 Jul 1983–30 Jun
Squadron was redesignated as the 37th Airlift
1985; 1 Jul 1985–30 Jun 1987; 1 Jul 1987–
Squadron and assigned to the 86th
30 Jun 1989; 1 Jul 1989–30 Jun 1991; 1 Jul
Operations Group of the 86th Fighter Wing
1991-31 Mar 1992
(redesignated as the 86th Wing on 1 June
1992 and the 86th
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit
Airlift Wing on 1 October 1994).
Citation, 1 Jul 1951–[8 May 1952].
Service Streamers. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with
World War II American Theater. Palm: 1 Oct 1967–28 Jan 1973.

Campaign Streamers.

60
 76th Airlift Squadron
(1943-1993)

The 76th Airlift Squadron was In 1952 due to the need for delivery of men
constituted as the 76th Ferrying Squadron and equipment to Korea and the Far East the
(Special) on 30 January 1943 and from 1943- 76 AS was Reconstituted and Redesignated
1944 the 76 AS, trained transport flight crews as the 76th Air Transport Squadron. The 76
while stationed at Homestead AAB, FL. AS was assigned to the 1700th Air Transport
Ferry Squadrons trained at Homestead AAB, Group at Kelly AFB, Texas. Their mission
FL were preparing to assist with flying cargo there was to assist with Worldwide Airlift
over the “Hump” in China Burma India. This operations and transport of distinguished
was a critical area for airlift of supplies and visitors. The 76th primarily flew the Douglas
personnel. General Arnold wanted transport C-54 Skymaster while assigned under the
crews to have flying hour experience, 1700th Air Transport Group, MATS. The
training in navigation, weather and radio unit carried cargo and passengers into Japan,
flying. The ferrying service supplied this Europe, North Arica and the Caribbean area
experience. President Roosevelt directed the as well as within the Continental United
initiation of the Assam-Burma-China ferry States. On 1 February 1956 the 76 AS was
route on 21 March 1942. General Arnold assigned to the 1608th Air Transport Group
wanted an increase in airdrop cargo. The war at Charleston AFB, SC. The 76 AS converted
effort escalated this. After 1944 there was no to fly the C-21 Constellation and operated
need for training transport crews to increase mainly with operations to Europe as part of
flying hour experience. The 76th Airlift the 1608th Air Transport Group, MATS,
Squadron was disbanded on 31 March 1944. Atlantic Division that is now the 437th

61
Military Airlift Wing. The 76 AS transported redesignated as 76th Transport Transition
UN troops to the Suez Canal on November Squadron on 4 June 1943. It was disbanded
1956. In 1963 the 76 AS began flying the on 31 March 1944. Reconstituted, and
Lockheed C-130 Hercules. They supported redesignated as 76th Air Transport Squadron,
operations in Southeast Asia from 1966-1973 Medium, on 20 June 1952. It was activated
and supported the evacuation Saigon in May on 20 July 1952. It was redesignated as the
1975. The 76 AS converted to the C-141 76th Military Airlift Squadron on 8 January
Starlifter in 1967 and continued 1966, and then redesignated as the 76th
Humanitarian airlifts into Peru, Chile, Airlift Squadron on 1 October 1991.
Pakistan, India and other areas. They Service Streamers
supported NASA and Apollo moon launches World War II American Theater
Campaign Streamers
as well as Presidential journeys in Pekin and Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi
Moscow. The 76 AS also continued to Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait
support Airlift Operations to Grenada from Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers
October-December 1983, Panama from 18- Panama, 1989-1990
Decorations
28 December 1989 and Southwest Asia from Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards:
August 1990-1991. The 76 AS supported 1 Jan 1963-1 Feb 1964; 11 Jul 1966-10 Jul
1967; 11 Jul 1967-10 Jul 1968; 11 Jul 1968-
Operation BLADE JEWEL. This was part of 12 Jun 1969; 13 Jun 1969-12 Jun 1970; 1 Jul
the return of military dependents return from 1972-30 Jun 1973; 1 Jul 1982-30 Jun 1984; 1
Jul 1984-30 Jun 1986; 1 Jul 1988-30 Jun
Panama to the United States. The 76 Airlift 1989; 1 Jul 1989-30 Jun 1990; 21 Sep 1989-
Squadron (76 AS) was assigned to the 86 AW 31 Oct 1989; 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1995; 1 Jul
1996-30 Jun 1997; 1 Sep 1997-31 Aug 1999;
in 1 October 1993. 24 Mar-10 Jun 1999 (ISO ALLIED FORCE);
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with
The 76th Airlift Squadron was
Palm: 1 Apr 1966-28 Jan 1973.
constituted as 76th Ferrying Squadron
(Special) on 30 January 1943. It was
activated on 8 February 1943. It was

62
 History of Ramstein Air Base

On 20 March 1945, the 319th Infantry government made major fiscal reforms. A
Regiment of the US 80th Division captured new currency, the deutsche mark (DM),
the town of Kaiserslautern without replaced the old reichs mark, and at the same
resistance. American bombers had pounded time, price controls were effectively
the city repeatedly. The heaviest raids eliminated. The result of these highly
occurred on 7 January, 11 August and complicated maneuvers was a revitalization
28 September 1944, with the rail yard and of the West German economy.
main roads as the primary targets. More than As Cold War tensions increased and the
sixty percent of the city was destroyed by Korean War began, in 1951 the French and
allied bombers and, of the 20,000 homes Americans agreed to a reciprocal agreement
located throughout the city, 11,000 were for the expansion of American installations in
damaged or destroyed by war's end (the the greater Kaiserslautern area. Part of this
cemetery wall opposite Kleber Kaserne still agreement called for the construction of two
bears the scars of these raids). With the Nazi air bases approximately seven miles west of
surrender, the Saarland and Rhineland-Pfalz Kaiserslautern in the area of Ramstein-
became occupation zones for French troops, Landstuhl. The bases were to be designed by
just as they had after World War I. Although French engineers, built by Germans, and
the French troops in Kaiserslautern operated by Americans.
administered the region, the US Army
The area was no stranger to military
controlled the large and varied American
aircraft activity. The autobahn between
elements garrisoned around the city.
Ramstein-Landstuhl had been used by the
The war was over in this highly Luftwaffe during the last part of the war, and
agricultural area of Germany, still, there were was also used as an airstrip by the advancing
food shortages because of price controls US Army Air Forces during the final months
which led many urban dwellers to grow their of the conflict. This airstrip was a straight
own food while others made weekend treks section, four lanes wide and approximately
to the countryside to barter for food. The two kilometers long and ended where
situation lasted until 1948 when the German construction had stopped during WWII.

63
Soon after the war the center median of the runway could be seen. Later when
autobahn was removed to it could be used by communications equipment was installed it
larger Allied aircraft for emergency landings served as the control tower. US Aviators later
and other purposes recalled that they lived in tents dispersed in
the forest and for most of them it was like a
big camping trip.”

A6 Autobahn 1950
Landing Strip circa 1951

“In September 1950 during "Exercise “Two aircraft were lost during the Autobahn
Rainbow," the 22d Squadron was based at operation. One could not be blamed on the
Kaiserslautern, Germany and used the operation as it was due to pilot disorientation
airstrip for its operations. The airstrip was in when the aircraft flew into weather during a
the middle of the forest, and though straight, low level flight. The other one was due to a
there was a hump in the middle as it crossed common problem of the F-80. The nose
a bridge over a railway. Since there were no landing gear of the F-80 had a set of two
taxiways, landing aircraft had to taxi to the shimmy dampeners to eliminate nose wheel
end of the road and wait until all other traffic oscillations. These were two small hydraulic
had landed prior to taxing back to the aircraft units, one on each side of the nose strut,
revetments located at the completed end of acting much like shock absorbers on a
the runway. C-47s and C-82s also landed on automobile. The problem was that even small
this road. Originally this created a problem as amounts of contamination could block the
the trees were so close to the road the aircraft orifices in the dampeners, reducing their
could not turn around unless they taxied all efficiency and causing the nose wheel to
the way to the end. To remedy this situation move from side to side (shimmy). Upon
German foresters cut back trees in selected landing, one of the aircraft from our flight
areas to make turn around points. A platform had the nose wheel cock to one side, but the
was built high in the trees, close to the pilot was able to hold the aircraft on the road.
railway bridge, so that both ends of the The pilot could not get the nose wheel to

64
straighten so we were called to rescue the John Pedigo, was able to safely exit the
aircraft. The flight chief, crew chief and me airplane without major injury and quickly
were sent to rescue the aircraft. After departed the area. The crew in the control
cleaning the dampeners and making a tower was almost directly opposite the
preliminary taxi test, we hopped on the wing accident and being treated to an unparalleled
of the aircraft and with the flight chief in the view of the burning aircraft and probably
cockpit, started the engine and had a nice wondering why the pilot left so quickly. Then
cool, fast ride back to the revetments. Not the the aircraft exploded, sending parts of the
wisest decision as later events would prove. aircraft high into the air, and they quickly
The next day was to be our last day of evacuated the tree fort. Discretion became the
Autobahn operations so dependents from the better part of valor. The visiting military
nearby US Army base were invited to watch dependents got a show they, and we, hadn't
our jets take off. They (and we) got much counted on." 4
more than bargained for. The jet aircraft we Given the areas previous use for military
had just repaired was part of the show. aviation purposes, the building of a major
Everything appeared normal during the first airfield did not come as a great surprise to
half of the takeoff run but then the nose wheel local inhabitants. Though, the construction of
suddenly turned to the right. Unfortunately the 3,000-acre base beginning in April 1951
the aircraft was going too slow to allow the brought a considerable change to the local
nose wheel to be lifted and the aircraft community. One impact was the influx of
skidded off the road. By the use of brakes the foreign workers. Given the losses of able-
pilot was able to keep the aircraft on the road bodied men in the war, German building
until it had passed over the railway overpass. firms which were contracted to build the
As soon as it went off the road the dirt airfield hired young men from all over
embankment caused the landing gear to Eastern Europe to work on the construction
collapse and the aircraft came to a stop, on its of the bases. Local German historians note
belly, at the bottom of the embankment. The that pubs soon sprang up around workers’
aircraft burst into flames but the pilot, Major housing, and locals of both sexes began to

www.airandspacemuseum.org/EarlyJetAircraftK
4 ramm.htm
Richard W. Kamm, EARLY JET AIRCRAFT
MECHANIC,

65
mingle with construction workers in these policy with respect to German nationals, but
establishments. At the same time, Americans this quickly fell by the wayside and American
families began to arrive, and many young military personnel and local German
German girls were hired as baby sitters, nationals generally mingled quite well. Older
bringing an influx of females. This same Germans look back to the Fifties and Sixties
historian noted that as the various groups as the “Golden Years” of German-American
began to mingle at the pubs and dances fights friendship in the region. The dollar-deutsche
often broke out between them. In other ways mark exchange rate was favored Americans
nature took its course and “friendships who responded with buying habits that
developed that ended in marriage. brought prosperity to local merchants.

The German contractors completed Another innovation was German-American

construction quickly, and the US Air Force “friendship week” which were held in May.

opened the first of the two installations in German nationals were invited to American

1952. About a year later, 1 June 1953, bases to look at American equipment, watch

Ramstein Exempt Air Force Installation, such events as paratroop drops, and eat

separated from Landstuhl by a central American food. Germans were especially

dividing road (today’s Kisling Memorial fond of American ice cream. Americans in

Drive) opened to the north. The two bases turn joined many local clubs, and participated

had an unorthodox arrangement. Landstuhl in numerous local events such as the

AB contained the control tower, flight line, Ramstein Fasching (carnival) Parade. Local

and aircraft hangars, while Ramstein housed newspapers noted that “a piece of America

the headquarters, administration and support has come to the Palatine” and that “the

facilities. American is no longer gazed at like a strange

animal…cowboy, gangster, or rich uncle.”
For a short time after the war the
Germans also joined their American friends
American military had a “no fraternization”
at clubs both on and off base.

66
 The Arrival of MAC and USAFE Headquarters

On 1 May 1970, under the peacetime Europe (USAFE) from Lindsey Air Station at
aerial port development program, the Wiesbaden. The USAFE commander's flag
Military Airlift Command (MAC) began officially transferred to Ramstein on 14
Phase I of its Dover Air Force Base, March 1973. NATO subsequently
Delaware to Ramstein cargo channel established Headquarters Allied Air Forces,
operations. During the late fall of 1971, the Central Europe at Ramstein on 28 June 1974.
Military Airlift Command (MAC) The new organizations brought with them the
established the 608 Military Airlift Group at requirements for large amounts of
Ramstein which served as a supplementary construction of the various headquarters
hub to Rhein-Main for C-141 and C-5 traffic buildings and Ramstein flight line facilities
transiting through Europe. that continued throughout the 1970s. One of

In November 1972, Headquarters, the most important, the new USAFE

Seventeenth Air Force, returned to Sembach underground Operations Support Center at

AB to make room for the transfer of Ramstein, opened on 26 April 1979.

Headquarters United States Air Forces in

Establishment of the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC)

The USAFE commander's flag officially As a result of the USAFE relocation,

transferred to Ramstein on 14 March 1973. Ramstein entered a period of expansion,
NATO subsequently established which resulted in some overlap of
Headquarters Allied Air Forces, Central responsibilities between the USAF and US
Europe at Ramstein on 28 June 1974. Army in the area.
Construction of the various headquarters Although the 86th Fighter-Bomber Wing
buildings and Ramstein flight line facilities had taken up residence at
continued throughout the 1970s. On 26 April Landstuhl/Ramstein in 1952, the US Army
1979, USAFE opened its new underground continued to act as the central controlling
Operations Support Center at Ramstein. authority for the growing Kaiserslautern

67
Military Community. As the Air Force the KMC and the 86 TFW commander
presence expanded, this became untenable became the KMC commander. On 5 August
and on 30 June 1975, the Air Force and Army 1978 the 86 TFW converted the title of the
signed CREEK SWAP, a memorandum of KMC Coordinator’s position to the Deputy
agreement in which Army units based in the Commander, Kaiserslautern (KCD). The
Kaiserslautern area transferred to Wiesbaden change in the designation of the position
and Mainz with a reciprocal move of Air reflected the incumbent's increased authority
Force units to Ramstein. This resulted in the to administer the KMC as a direct
establishment of the Kaiserslautern Military representative of the KMC commander. On 1
Community (KMC), which had the largest July 1979, after long negotiations with the
concentration of Americans outside the US Army 21 Support Command, the Army
United States. Since the Air Force accounted commander dropped his objections to the
for the majority of American personnel establishment of an Air Force-controlled
stationed in the KMC the Army turned military police organization in the KMC, and
community oversight responsibilities over to joint Air Force security police. As a result
an Air Force officer working at Kapaun Air Army military police activities started.
Station in October 1976. He became the Between 1 October 1976 and 14 June 1985,
KMC Coordinator and was aligned under the the population of the KMC had grown to
86 TFW commander. The KMC Coordinator 70,000.
served as the focal point for civilian On 15 April 1983 the 86 TFW again
community concerns, maintained liaison with restructured the KCD by “dual-hatting” the
the Army units remaining in the area and position with the 86th Combat Support
insured proper operation of the community's Group commander in an attempt for more
support structure. The Kaiserslautern effective interaction with local German and
Coordinator became a key position not found US Army authorities. The responsibilities for
in other tactical fighter wings. This the KMC grew and the increasing
individual, working closely with the wing requirements for support from Ramstein led
commander, coordinated activities with other the Air Force to activate the 316th Air
Kaiserslautern-area installations. Division (AD) and the 377th Combat Support
On 1 October 1976, the 86th Tactical Wing (CSW) on 14 June 1985. The 337
Fighter Wing (TFW) became the host unit for CSW was assigned the task of controlling

68
base operations. At the same time, the Air administrative responsibilities again
Division commander became dual-hatted as combined under the commander of the 86th
the KMC commander, and the former 86 Support Group (SPTG). A deputy of the 86th
TFW KCD position assumed a deputy SPTG continued to provide KMC oversight
position under the air division. The 316 AD from Kapaun for the Kaiserslautern area
and 377 CSW assumed control of all while an additional deputy provided KMC
community support responsibilities, allowing oversight from Sembach AB. This new
the 86 TFW to concentrate fully on its organization streamlined the command
operational flying mission. structure and improved inter-service

On 1 May 1991, the Air Force coordination. It also provided the 86 SPTG

inactivated the 316 AD and the 377 CSW, commander with more authority to

leaving the 86th Fighter Wing (FW) as the administer the KMC.

host unit once again. Under the new When Headquarters Seventeenth Air
objective wing structure, the 86 FW Force closed on 31 July 1996, the 86 AW
commander took control of the KMC much gained several units within the KMC, i.e., the
the same way in which the air division 886th Communications Squadron, the 86th
commander had done. Two deputy Materiel Maintenance Squadron and the
commanders, one Air Force Officer at Polygone Training Range in Bann. The wing
Kapaun, the KCD, and one Army Officer, also gained a two organizations considered
dual-hatted as the 4137th Base Support outside of the KMC: the 469th Air Base
Battalion commander--handled the Group at Rhein-Main AB and the 469 USAF
community's day-to-day activities. In Contingency Hospital in Frankfurt. On 17
addition to providing support for the largest September 1998 USAFE, through the US
American community outside the US, the 86 European Command, was granted approval
FW and 21 Theater Army Area Command from the Secretary of Defense to open
also took care of administrative and logistical negotiations with the Federal Republic of
support for numerous other US activities Germany and Flughafen Frankfurt am Main
scattered throughout the European theater. AG for the full return of Rhein-Main AB.

In early 1996, the wing closed its KCD The agreed cost and infrastructure projects

position. While the wing commander turned Ramstein AB into Europe’s main

remained the KMC commander, KMC Strategic airlift hub.

69
 On 23 Dec 1999, the Federal AAFES facilities will include a four-plex
Government of Germany, United States Air movie theater, Power Zone, Outdoor Living,
Forces in Europe, German States of Hessen Toyland/Four Seasons, food court, new car
and Rhineland-Palatinate and Flughafen sales and other vendors in an American-style
representatives met at Rhein-Main AB, mall layout. Services facilities will include a
Germany for the ceremonial signing of the spacious Outdoor Recreation area complete
final agreement for the full return of Rhein- with a two-story climbing wall, the Ramstein
Main AB to Frankfurt Flughafen Corporation Tickets and Tours office, Romano’s
in 2005. The ceremonial became the catalyst Macaroni Grill restaurant and a Sports
for expansion of the KMC. With Rhein- Lounge offering local cuisine. The shopping
Main’s pending closer of 2005, Ramstein AB center will feature some concessionaires
began to expand with personal, equipment available for the first time – stateside and
and facilities to meet new mission tasking as overseas – as well as a large variety of
the new Gateway-to-Europe. 2$ billion were specialty stores. This is the first time that the
allocated for the new construction at Army and Air Force Exchange Service and
Ramstein to allow it to replace Rhein-Main Air Force Services have collocated.
as the Air Force’s “Gateway to Europe.” The On 7 March 2003 approximately 540
facilities include a 20,000 square meter Bundeswehr (German Army) soldiers began
headquarters for the AIRNORTH staff and a providing security for Ramstein AB and the
state of the art Air Freight Terminal with a KMC. This support was part of a two-year
Mechanized Material Handling System that memorandum of agreement to have them
doubled the amount of freight Ramstein perform gate security.
could handle. The most visible piece of the
In 2004/2005, Ramstein Air Base
construction is the Kaiserslautern Military
underwent an extensive expansion with a
Community Center, including almost 70,000
major construction including an all-new
square meters of concession space, four
airport terminal, among other new facilities,
theaters, and a 350 room hotel for visitors,
through the so-called Rhein-Main Transition
and extensive parking, scheduled to open in
Program which was initiated in support of the
early 2007. The consolidated facility will be
total closure of Rhein-Main Air Base on
844,000 square feet and will include an eight-
December 30, 2005 and transferring all its
story, 350-room Visiting Quarters facility.
former capacities to Ramstein Air Base (70

70
percent) and Spangdahlem Air Base (30 The KMC has met on a regular basis
percent). with Host Nation representatives to discuss

While the KMC remained the largest issued of local interest and concern. On 10

U.S. community overseas at 39,000 people, July 2006, for example, Kaiserslautern

the defense drawdown had a decided impact Military Community and 86th Airlift Wing

on its future. Due to the departure of other commander Colonel (subsequently Brigadier

main operating installations, more than 100 General) Richard Johnston met with Union

geographically separated units received Community Ramstein-Miesenbach on

support from Ramstein. Ramstein Air Base to discuss construction

projects, the economic impact and aircraft
Ramstein Air Base also served as
noise. Thirty mayors and council members
temporary housing for the United States
from the Ramstein-Miesenbach area attended
men's national soccer team during the 2006
the meeting to voice their concerns and ask
World Cup. Many of the games were played
questions about Ramstein issues, as well as to
in Kaiserslautern, and the KMC took an
take a base tour where leadership highlighted
active part in supporting the US team and in
the base’s mission and new construction
the festivities in general. The U.S. national
projects. Colonel Johnston opened by saying,
team flew into Ramstein June 15 to prepare
“I understand the challenges you have living
for their match with eventual World Cup
next to a large air base, and I am here to
winner Italy two days later, on June 17. On
provide you with information that you can
the day of the game, the Air Force and Army
take back to your constituents to explain the
MWR programs joined forces and the KMC
steps the base takes to be a good neighbor.”
hosted the Extreme Summer World Cup Fan
The Ramstein leadership then responded to
Fest, held at Pulaski Park on Saturday. The
questions from Union Community.
event featured an array of live musical acts,
games, a human foosball table and a 400 On 24 December 2006 the 86 AW and

square-foot Jumbotron that showed the the 172 Airlift Wing (conducted Ramstein’s

U.S.A. vs. Italy contest. Comedians Drew first “real world” Category II ILS approach.

Carey and Greg Proops came to Ramstein to REACH 210, a C-17 flown by a crew of the

help entertain the crowd of more than 3,000 172 Airlift Wing (Mississippi ANG) became

people, well as bands, concessions and the first crew to take advantage of Ramstein’s

children’s’ activities. new capability when they arrived Christmas

71
morning after departing Balad Air Base, Iraq Officers Club renovation. The latter project
with one urgent and six priority patients plus was undertaken utilizing $3,288.00 in non-
another seven routine patients. As the crew appropriated funds and $4,098,200.00 in
approached Ramstein they found the reported appropriated funds.
ceiling to be at 100’ and requested the Cat II Other construction work included
ILS to runway 26. The approach, landing, modifications to both the East and West
and taxi to parking were uneventful and all Gates. Work included the addition of
the patients recovered at Landstuhl Regional Canopies as well as enhanced security
Medical Center except for those who measures. While the Canopy work was
required urgent care; they were moved on to completed in 2009, security modifications
Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC) three were not completed until FY 2012. Work
days after being declared Cat II and Cat III was also performed on street and parking lot
capable, the capability of the DoD’s most lighting throughout the base. Finally, several
capable airfield paid dividends. traffic circles were repaired or modified, and

In 2009, after a good deal of discussion, sidewalks were repaired or new sections

the base was once again brought under the constructed.

control of the 837 AW. In the ensuing years The 86AW assumed stewardship for
Base Engineers spent a good deal of energy Officer and Enlisted and Unaccompanied
on Sustainment, Restoration, and Housing on Ramstein and Vogelweh When
Modernization projects in order to maintain the 86 AW assumed responsibilities for the
the aging infrastructure on Ramstein. Housing it inherited a number of an ongoing
Maintenance projects included expansion of construction program of 833 new homes and
the Commissary; modifications to the the renovation of 55 additional homes at a
Airman Resiliency Center and German CPO cost of approximately $343M. By the end of
Building; renovations to the Ramstein 2010 the number of completed townhouses
Bowling Center; renovations to the North stood at 665. At the same time Engineers
Side Fitness Center; installation of developed a General Officers Master Plan to
underground conduits; manhole refurbish or otherwise upgrade those
replacements; roof repairs; and Air quarters. Dormitories were impacted as well
Conditioning systems repairs. Another as 215 total rooms in buildings 2413, 2414,
extensive project involved the multi-funded and 2773 were renovated.

72
 Ramstein Air Base Operating Units:

86th Air Base Group...............................................................................5 Apr 52

7030th HQ Support Group; 7030 Support Group; 7030 Air Base Wing;
7030th Combat Support Wing.................................................................6 Apr 53
26th Combat Support Group................................................................... 5 Oct 66
86th Combat Support Group....................................................................31 Jan 73
377th Combat Support Wing...................................................................14 Jun 85
86th Support Group.................................................................................1 May 91
86th Airlift Wing......................................................................................27 Sep 02
435th Air Base Wing...............................................................................15 Jan 04
86th Airlift Wing.....................................................................................16 Jun 05
435th Air Base Wing…………………………………………………...20 Dec 07
86th Airlift Wing......................................................................................16 Jul 09

Ramstein Air Base Commanders

Lt Col William F. Barnard Jr 5 Apr 1952 Col William H. Luke 1 Jul 1971
Col Franklin S. Allen 10 Jul 1952 Col Arthur R. Burke 29 Nov 1972
Lt Col Newton P. Littleton 18 Sep 1952 (temp) Col Harold E. Grant 1 Aug 1973
Col Andrew J. Bing 22 Oct 1952 Col Attilo Pedroli 12 Oct 1974
Col James W. Bennett 6 Apr 1953 Col Jerry L. Welch 2 Sep 1975
Col Albert F. Law 1 Dec 1954 Col Robert B. Plowden 11 Aug 1977
Col Herbert C. Hartwig 26 July 1956 Col Ronald L. Barker 24 Sep 1978
Col Maurice R. Lemon 11 Dec 1959 Col Keith N. Hall 12 Mar 1979
Col Earl E. Batten 9 Feb 1962 (temp) Col George W. Acree II 4 Jan 1980
Col Maurice R. Lemmon Mar 1952 Col Noah E. Loy 29 Jul 1981
Col Robert J. Mason 15 Jul 1962 Lt Col W. David Kauffman 20 Feb 1982 (Temp)
Col Frank X. Krebs 28 Jul 1963 Col John L. Borling 27 Feb 1982
Col James Vande Hey 24 Jul 1965 Col Leslie A. Hobgood, 26 Jul 83
Col Henry F. Butler 25 Aug 1966 Col Eugene A. Lupia, 28 Jul 1986
Col Michael J. Stublarec c. 5 Oct 1966 Col William D. Eckert, 15 Jun 1988
Col Jules X. Junker III 31 Aug 1968 Col Adelbert W. Carpenter, 12 Jan 1990
Col Marvin F. Ewing c. 28 May 1971 Brig Gen Richard T. Swope, 1 May 1991

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Col Gary R. Bendlin, 29 Jun 1992 Col Kurtis D. Lohide 16 Jun 2005
Brig Gen Tad J. Oelstrom, 3 Nov 1992 Col Earl D. Matthews 18 Apr 2007
Brig Gen Jeffery S. Pilkington, 9 Jul 1993 Col Douglas Tucker, Interim 2 May 2008
Brig Gen William E. Stevens, 30 Jun 1995 Col Donald H. Bacon 1 Jul 2008
Col Edward F. McPhillips Jr. (interim), 29 May Col Thomas Gould 11 Jun 2009
1996 Brig Gen Mark C. Dillon, 16 Jul 2009
Brig Gen John W. Brooks, 3 Jun 1996 Brig Gen Charles K. Hyde, Sep 2, 20011
Brig Gen Michael W. Wooley, 13 Jul 1998 Brig Gen Patrick X. Mordente, 10 Jun 2013
Brig Gen Mark A. Volcheff, 24 Jan 2000 Brig Gen Jon T. Thomas, 19 Jun 2015
Brig Gen Erwin F. Lessel, May 2002 Brig Gen Richard G. Moore, Jr., 28 Jul 2016
Brig Gen Rosanne Bailey 15 Jan 2004 Brig Gen Mark R. August, 9 Aug 2018

86th Wing Commanders

Col Clarence T. Edwinson, 1 Jul 1948 Brig Gen William F. Georgi, 31 Jan 1973
Col John S. Chennault, 31 May 1949 Col Edward J. Campbell, 13 Apr 1973
Col George R. Bickell, 16 Jun 1952 Col Lloyd C. Ulrich, 13 May 1974
Col James O. Beckwith, 19 Jan 1955 Brig Gen Cornelius Nugteren, 22 Aug 1975
Col Albert L. Evans Jr., 8 Jun 1956 Brig Gen John H. Bennett, 15 Jul 1977
Col James W. Little, 9 Jun 1958 Brig Gen Harry Falls Jr., 6 Aug 1979
Col Charles M. Young, 30 Jun 1958 Col David M. Goodrich, 22 Jan 1980
Col Robert J. Rogers, 4 Jul 1959 Brig Gen Jerry W. Tietge, 28 Feb 1980
Col George W. Rogers, 15 Mar 1961 Maj Gen Robert C. Oaks, 28 Jul 1981
Brig Gen Frank W. Gillespie, 30 Jun 1961 Brig Gen Ralph E. Havens, 24 May 1983
Brig Gen Thomas L. Hayes Jr., 10 Jul 1964 Col Clifford R. Krieger, 9 Jul 1985
Brig Gen James M. Vande Hey, 12 Jan 1966 Col Joseph S. Rodero, 13 Apr 1987
Brig Gen Richard N. Ellis, 28 Jun 1967–14 Col James I. Mathers, 16 Nov 1987
Nov 1968 Col George W. Norwood, 17 Mar 1989
Col Howard A. Jones, 1 Nov 1969 Col Roger E. Carleton, 23 Feb 1990
Col Wilbur L. Creech, 31 Dec 1969 Brig Gen Richard T. Swope, 1 May 1991
Col Walter L. Doerty Jr., 17 Nov 1970 Col Gary R. Bendlin, 29 Jun 1992
Col John J. Knight, 1 Oct 1971 Brig Gen Tad J. Oelstrom, 3 Nov 1992
Col James E. McInerney Jr., 19 Oct 1971 Brig Gen Jeffery S. Pilkington, 9 Jul 1993

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Brig Gen William E. Stevens, 30 Jun 1995 Brig Gen Richard C. Johnston, Apr 2006
Col Edward F. McPhillips Jr. (interim), 29 Brig Gen William J. Bender, Dec 2007
May 1996 Brig Gen Mark C. Dillon, Jul 2009
Brig Gen John W. Brooks, 3 Jun 1996 Brig Gen Charles K. Hyde, Sep 2, 2011
Brig Gen Michael W. Wooley, 13 Jul 1998 Brig Gen Patrick X. Mordente, 10 Jun 2013
Brig Gen Mark A. Volcheff, 24 Jan 2000 Brig Gen Jon T. Thomas, 19 Jun 2015
Brig Gen Erwin F. Lessel, May 2002 Brig Gen Richard G. Moore, Jr., 28 Jul 2016

Brig Gen Robert C. Kane, Jan 2004 Brig Gen Mark R. August, 9 Aug 2018

Aircraft Flown Since 1948

F-47, 1948–1950 CT-43, 1992–1996

F-84, 1950–1953 UH-1, 1992-1993

F-86, 1953–1960 C-9, 1993-2003

F-102, 1959–1968 C-130, 1994-

F-100, 1960 C-37, 2000-

F-104, 1961–1962. C-40, 2004-

RF-4, 1970–1973, 1976

F-4, 1971–1986

F-100, 1975

F-16, 1985–1994

C-135, 1992

C-12, 1992–1994

C-20, 1992–2017

C-21, 1992–

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