HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
July 29, 2016
Volume 40, number 30
NATO forces partner for Thracian Summer Story and photos by Senior Airman Nicole Keim 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs PLOVDIV, Bulgaria — Three U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and approximately 70 personnel from the 86th Airlift Wing deployed July 10 to Plovdiv, Bulgaria, to participate in exercise Thracian Summer 2016. During the two-week forward training deployment, the 37th Airlift Squadron conducted tactical flight training, which included low-level flights, airdrop training with partnered forces and other related training events. The exercises help preserve joint readiness, build interoperability and strengthen relationships with NATO allies. “It’s an incredible display of the work ethic and drive of our Airmen,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Scott, 37 AS pilot. “It is imperative to be able to integrate with multiple agencies within the (European Command) and operate in a moment’s notice with our NATO partners.” Through strengthened relationships and consistent train-
Staff Sgt. Jordan Callahan, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, drops a container-delivery system out of a C-130J Super Hercules during exercise Thracian Summer 2016 July 20 over Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Through Exercise Thracian Summer, the United States and Bulgaria will enhance their mutual abilities to work together, with other NATO nations and with key partners on regional security.
ing exercises with allies and partners, the U.S. demonstrates its shared commitment to a safe and secure Europe.
These off-station training events improve interoperability with international partners to ensure units train like they
fight when and if called upon to do so in the future. “This forward training deployment is a tremendous
opportunity for our Airmen to hone their operational skills See NATO, Page 3
the mission each and every day.” Thomas took to the skies three times, flying a C-21, C-37A and C-130J Super Hercules. In all three planes, he was accompanied by Airmen from the 37th Airlift Squadron and 76th Airlift Squadron. According to Capt. Brad Field, 76 AS C-21 aircraft commander, the experience of working one last time
Tip of the Week When traveling and sightseeing, watch out for pickpockets!
Firing up allied training with 435 CTS, Page 6
with Thomas was memorable. “It was a great pleasure to work with him,” Field said. “It was a unique fini flight because he got to fly three planes due to the amount of aircraft the 86th AW holds, but coordinating things for him was easy because I, and my coworkers, See FINAL, Page 2
LIFESTYLES
Ramstein Airmen celebrated the final flights of Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, July 19 to 20. Thomas, who previously served as commander of the 86th Operations
Group from 2008 to 2009, was honored to return to Ramstein. “It has been an absolute thrill to come back to command again in the Mighty 86th,” Thomas said. “I am immensely proud of all we have collectively accomplished in the past year. We have a great team here at Ramstein, and the Airmen have taught me a lot while succeeding in
FEATURES
Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NEWS
86 AW celebrates commander’s final flight
IPE Airmen keep Ramstein ready, Page 10
Festival with light show takes place in Trippstadt, Page 15