July 21, 2017
Kaiserslautern American
HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
July 21, 2017
Page 1
Volume 41, number 29
13 nations jump-start International Jump Week by Airman 1st Class D. Blake Browning 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs U.S. service members along with military personnel from 13 partner nations traveled to Bitburg, Germany, between July 10 and 14 to participate in International Jump Week. “The intended goal is to get partner nations on the same page in terms of air dropping parachutists,” said Capt. Christopher Deans, 37th Airlift Squadron Mission commander for International Jump Week. The differences in techniques, parachutes, and other ways of dropping paratroopers initiate this training year after year. “We have a standardized practice now working with the 435th Contingency Response Group,” said Deans. “If we ever have to go into a joint operation we’ll all be on the same page.” During the weeklong mission service members battled adverse weather conditions while dropping approximately 500 paratroopers. “We were able to use every single parachute that we have,” said Deans. “We were also able to deal with a little bit of weather this week, and a couple days we had to weather-cancel, so a majority of the work was done in one day.”
Photo by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh
Parachutists load onto a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron for takeoff during International Jump Week July 11 in Bitburg, Germany. Inside Spangdahlem Air Base’s airspace, the Bitburg drop zone required complex coordination between the 435th Contingency Response Group and Airmen assigned to the 37 AS.
Deans said three lifts were completed in Bitburg to make sure all of the jumpers were able to accomplish their mission. Additionally, 37 AS Airmen per-
formed formation flying pilot training in transit to Bitburg. “Exercises like this allow us to network and build relations with our allies,” said Tech. Sgt. Luke Hightower,
435 CRG contingency air traffic controller. “It’s a good chance to practice techniques, tactics and procedures.” See more photos on Page 10
Tip of the Week: When traveling and sightseeing,
watch out for pickpockets!
and women, each of those individuals played a pivotal role in my success. Every Airmen that I’ve crossed paths with, has inspired me to be the best version of myself possible and each one of them are just as deserving of this award. I do not know of another organization in the world with so many superior professionals.”
86 CCATT and AE sharpen cohesiveness, Page 3
To be named as one of the top NCOs is a dream come true and dreams do not work unless you do.” An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center initially considered 36 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operatSee OAY, Page 2
LIFESTYLES
A member of Ramstein’s 86th Airlift Wing was selected as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for the Air Force. Tech. Sgt. Kyle T. Wilson, an Airman Leadership School
Instructor assigned to the 86th Force Support Squadron, was one of 12 Airmen selected based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements. “Being recognized as an Outstanding Airman of the Year is extremely humbling,” Wilson said. “I consider myself very blessed to work with so many great men
FEATURE
by Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
FEATURE
86 FSS Airman named OAY for AF
German apprentices keep Ramstein rolling, Page 5
Annweiler honors former British king July 28 to 30, Page 20