June 26, 2015
June 26, 2015
Kaiserslautern American
HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
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Volume 39, number 25
86th AW welcomes new commander by Tech. Sgt. Kris Levasseur 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Airmen of the 86th Airlift Wing welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony June 19 on Ramstein. Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas formally took command of the Air Force’s premier power projection platform in Hangar 1 while Lt. Gen. Darryl L. Roberson, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, officiated the ceremony. “We are gathered here today to reflect on the accomplishments of the 86th Airlift Wing over the last two years under the command of General Mordente and say farewell, good luck and thank you,” Roberson said. “I’d also like See Commander, Page 2
Photo by Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski
Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas (right), 86th Airlift Wing commander, takes the wing’s guidon from Lt. Gen. Darryl L. Roberson, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander June 19 on Ramstein. It is military tradition for the guidon to be exchanged between commanders to symbolize the passing of command.
SECAF shares priorities with USAFE-AFAFRICA
HEALTH
KA SPECIAL SUMMER EDITION.
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Photo by Staff Sgt. Leslie Keopka
U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James speaks to U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa personnel during an all-call June 19 on Ramstein. The SECAF attended the all-call during her brief stop at Ramstein and addressed the crowd on current topics in the Air Force and answered questions from the audience.
FEATURE
by Staff Sgt. Jessica Hines way through her European USAFE-AFAFRICA visit, discussing both bilateral Public Affairs and multilateral issues with U.S. partners and allies, focusU.S. Air Force Secretary ing on enhancing military relaDeborah Lee James talked with tionships as well as discussing U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the changing threats that many Air Forces Africa Airmen and nations are collectively facing civilians during an all-call June around the world. 19 on Ramstein. “All of you are truly at the “I want to give you a little cutting edge of the most imporbit of a Washington update, tant issues that we are dealing talk to you about the three pri- with, both as the United States orities and tell you about what of America and as part of these I’m doing here in Europe,” alliances and partnerships that said James. See priorities, Page 11 The secretary is about half-
Live-fire, stress-fire training, Page 9
Creek Defender readies USAFE Airmen, Page 10
It's tick season, Page 18