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July 1, 2016
Volume 40, number 26
NATO partners close out Saber Strike ’16 Story and photo by Senior Airman Nicole Keim 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
TAPA TRAINING BASE, Estonia — More than 200 NATO service members gathered at Tapa Training Base, Estonia, for the closing ceremony of Saber Strike ’16 June 21. U.S. service members were only one component of the large-scale theater security cooperation exercise that began June 12. Participating nations included Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and the U.S. The exercise was held in multiple locations throughout Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, facilitated cooperation among NATO allies and improved joint-operational capability across a range of missions to prepare the 13
Estonian soldiers present the colors during the closing ceremony for Saber Strike ’16 June 21 on Tapa Training Base, Estonia. U.S. forces in Europe participated in Saber Strike ’16, a long-standing, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed, U.S. Army Europe-led cooperative-training exercise that has been conducted annually since 2010. This year’s exercise focused on promoting interoperability with allies and regional partners. The United States has enduring interests in supporting peace and prosperity in Europe and bolstering the strength and vitality of NATO, which is critical to global security.
participating nations to support multinational contingency operations around the world.
During the ceremony, leaders spoke about the efforts put forth by all who participated and thanked one another for
the unified partnership that made the exercise a success. “It is great to see all of you service members from so
many different nations,” said Taavi Roivas, Estonian prime See Saber Strike, Page 3
Civil Air Patrol cadets tour Ramstein
KA SPECIAL SUMMER EDITION.. EDITION
presentation about leadership and how the squadron’s mission affects the overall Air Force mission. They also entered a C-17A Globemaster III aircraft, looked at the inside of the plane and sat in the pilot seat. “It was a good time hanging out with them, getting to show them everything and give them experience,” said Master Sgt. Brad Secord, 721st AMXS aircraft flight support superintendent. “We got them on an
Ramstein recruiters work around challenges, Page 7
See cadetS, Page 2
LIFESTYLES
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CAP cadets can vary from base to base. “It depends on how great of a relationship they have with their host squadrons,” Livesay said. “Here at the 86th, we have an outstanding relationship. We couldn’t be more pleased with the support we’ve gotten to make this encampment such a success. Team Ramstein has pulled all three wings together to make this happen, and it is awesome to see.” When the cadets visited the 721st AMXS, they received an hour-long
NEWS
“We’re the basic training for a cadet,” said Maj. Michael Livesay, Ramstein Civil Air Patrol squadron commander. “It’s a one-week learning laboratory for them. We’ve had the opportunity to get perspectives from enlisted members and officers to talk to them about what it takes to become a leader in the Air Force.”
The civil air patrol cadets met with Airmen and civilians from all over Ramstein, starting with a briefing from Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, about the importance of the Ramstein mission. They also visited with the 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 86th Security Forces Squadron, Ramstein Fire Department and 76th Airlift Squadron and flew in a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft with the 37th Airlift Squadron. How much of a base is shown to
FEATURES
Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Tryphena Mayhugh 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
US, Africa demonstrate peacekeeping, Page 10
Drifting fest highlights old craftsmanship, Page 15