HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
August 12, 2016
Volume 40, number 32
COMUSAFE thanks Airmen, reflects on service Story and photo courtesy of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs After 37 1/2 years in the U.S. Air Force, Gen. Frank Gorenc shared a few departing words to Airmen as he prepared for the Aug. 11 change of command and future retirement. As U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander for the past three years, Gorenc will leave behind an exceptional legacy that has helped propel all European-based Airmen to the next level by reinvigorating a “Forward, Ready, Now” mentality. “It’s always an honor and a privilege to be a commander; it’s really an honor and privilege to be a commander when you’re presented
with a significant challenge, a worldwide challenge that tests not only the people but the organization,” Gorenc said. From day one at the helm of USAFE-AFAFRICA, the commander was presented with a number of challenges testing his ability to lead the command on a multitude of fronts while maintaining the long-standing allied partnerships within Europe. In 2014 alone, USAFEAFAFRICA’s endurance was tested again and again, including Russia’s actions in Crimea, the proliferation of Daesh and the deadly Ebola outbreak in Africa. European Airmen cinched the opportunity to serve up a dose of airpower under Gorenc’s leadership through strategic and See COMUSAFE, Page 2
Gen. Frank Gorenc and Mrs. Sharon Gorenc stand together in front of a F-15 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, U.K., in August 2015. Yesterday, the general culminated a 37 1/2-year career when he relinquished command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Africa and NATO’s Allied Air Command.
435 AGOW inspector briefs new commanders Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Lane Plummer 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NEWS
Car drivers, share the road with bikes, motorcycles and allterrain vehicles. They have less protection.
FEATURES
Tip of the Week One year of memories serving Ramstein Airmen, Page 6
See 435 AGOW, Page 3
LIFESTYLES
A group of commanders from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing participate in an inspection meeting Aug. 4 on Ramstein. The meetings are designed to properly train commanders on what to expect during inspections.
When new commanders come into the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, they must attend a briefing with a 435 AGOW inspection team member. This is important for commanders so that they can understand the inspector’s role and what standards are expected to be maintained in areas such as safety, readiness, proficiency and more. According to Lt. Col. Denis Briceno, 435 AGOW chief of inspections, this initial briefing, required within 30 days of assuming command, is part of a vital process to helping a new commander settle into his or her position.
“Part of my roles and responsibilities is to give a new commander an introduction into the Air Force Inspection System,” Briceno said. “It’s important for them to know how to comply with Air Force instructions and expectations that come with their position. They’re incredibly busy individuals. They may not have time to dig into inspection details, so they need that third party to come in and highlight these aspects.” An inspection team is charged with examining the actions of a government agency, military organization or military contractor as a general assessor of their operations. This is to ensure compliance with generally established pol-
ATCs guide international jumpers to hit target, Page 8
Medieval fest takes place at castle, Page 14