January 13, 2012
January 13, 2012
Kaiserslautern American
HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
Page 1
Volume 36, number 2
Ambassador visits CRSF by Airman 1st Class Trevor Rhynes 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A warehouses service agency mechanic works on a humvee Tuesday at the Central Regional Staging Facility in Luxembourg. The CRSF is the only military presence in Luxembourg and is responsible for 85 percent of war readiness material.
The U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg, his Deputy Chief of Mission, representatives from the Logistics Readiness Group and the Logistics Readiness Division of U.S. Air Forces in Europe visited the Central Regional Storage Facility in Sanem, Luxembourg Tuesday. Robert A. Mandell, appointed as the Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in November, was given the opportunity to see the facility that provides a large part of equipment USAFE contributes to U.S. Africa Command, Central Command and European Command. “Last year the site at Sanem aided in the support of 22 operations in 23 nations, including support to operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector,” said Maj. Wes Wenzel, commander of the 86th Materiel Maintenance Squadron, which oversees site operations. “The partnership between the men and women of the 86th MMS and the team at Sanem directly contributed to the success of those operations.” The CRSF has more than 800,000 square feet of storage where it holds 85 percent of the war reserve material maintained by the 86th Material
evolved from a bombardment wing in 1942, to a tactical fighter wing in 1969, into the 86th Airlift Wing July 21, 1994, that we know today. Established Jan. 13, 1942, the mission of the 86th BG(L) was to provide air support for soldiers who fought in areas like North Africa, Italy and Southern Germany during World War II.
During that time, the 86th earned numerous awards. Airmen from the wing have earned awards such as the Distinguished Unit Citation, earned in World War II, to the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for Exceptionally Meritorious Service award, earned seven times out of the last 10 years. One of those seven was earned with valor.
Photo by Senior Airman Brittany Perry
Management Squadron. Mandell was impressed with the capacity of the CRSF. “The facility is very impressive,” said Ambassador Mandell. “It provides a large amount of material that troops need while deployed.” The Ambassador also added that he is impressed with the skill level of employees at the CRSF. Employed through the warehouse service agency, they routinely inspect, repair and supply equipment from the facility. Mandell believes the facility is important for a partnership with an allied nation. “It’s good to work with an allied nation concerning something that supports a large mission like this,” said Mandell. “It is a great way to strengthen our relationship with the government of Luxembourg.” The Ambassador was appreciative of the opportunity to see what the only U.S. Defense presence in Luxembourg has to offer. “This visit was important for me because now I have a much better understanding of what this facility is capable of,” said Ambassador Mandell. “With this understanding I am better able to work with the Luxembourg Government on how to manage this space.”
T
oday, the 86th Airlift Wing hits its 70 year mark at Ramstein. The wing originated as the U.S. Army Air Forces 86th Bombardment Group (Light) during World War II and has gradually
TIP OF THE WEEK Winter Sport Safety: Use a helmet while snowboarding, air boarding and skiing.
NEWS
by Airman 1st Class Trevor Rhynes 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LIFESTYLES
Airlift reaches 70 year anniversary
SFS conducts joint K-9 training, Page 14
Freinsheim hosts red wine hike, Page 18
The awards were able to be earned by participating in support of various operations. The wing’s primary mission now is to provide airlift support to the U.S. European Command and our Joint and Combined partners. In the last 10 years alone, the 86th Airlift Wing has participated in See ANNIVERSARY, Page 3
383
As of Jan. 10
676