March 24, 2017
HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
Volume 41, number 12
Ramstein Airmen, Bulgarian air force spring into exercise Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PLOVDIV, Bulgaria — Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Contingency Response Group joined the Bulgarian air force to kick off Exercise Thracian Spring 17 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, March 14. The two-week exercise is designed to provide both U.S. and Bulgarian Airmen the opportunity to train together while enhancing interoperability and improving combined air operations. “Although we already have a strong military alliance with the Bulgarians, it’s important that we conduct these exercises.” said Capt. Mary Bordelon, 37th Airlift Squadron flight commander and Exercise Thracian Spring 17 mission commander. “We’re testing our ability to deploy throughout the European theatre and deliver tactical airlift wherever is needed, especially in support of reassuring our nation’s commitment to our allies.” The exercise is a direct reflection of the Signed Defense Cooperation Agreement, which the U.S. and Bulgaria signed in May 2006. The agreement gives the U.S. military access to facilitate joint training with the Bulgarian military. Since the agreement’s inception, the 37 AS has trained with the Bulgarian Air Force more than 10 times. “A lot of the training is happening
Capt. Mary Bordelon, 37th Airlift Squadron flight commander and Exercise Thracian Spring 17 mission commander talks with Master Sgt. Momchil Kostov, Bulgarian Special Operations 1st Battalion, 68th Brigade special warfare personnel, March 15 at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria. Bordelon visited the drop zone team to watch the team execute the first personnel drop for the two-week exercise. The U.S. Air Force’s forward presence in Europe allows Airmen to work with our Nato allies and partners, to develop ready air forces capable of maintaining regional security
hand in hand with the Bulgarian military,” Bordelon said. “It’s good to see that everyone is taking ownership of their roles. There are people from all different agencies on Ramstein and everyone is here to do a job.” In addition to the aircrew, other
specialties providing support are: contingency air traffic control, aircrew flight equipment, contracting, weather, intelligence, maintenance, and medical. Bordelon is one of 60 Ramstein Airmen and said she’s very optimistic
about the week. “A lot of people showed up today and put in a long day,” she said. “We’re still pushing forward, so we can drive success for the rest of the deployment. For more photos, see Page 7.
1 CMXS Airmen train with their heads in the clouds Story and photos by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The sound of clinking harnesses filled the air as the Airmen toiled ever upward toward the clouds. Fat
raindrops, too impatient to wait, leapt down to meet them and dripped off boots, hard hats, and gear. Far above the ground the Airmen focused on the task at hand, momentarily oblivious to those below them and the vast expanse of space in between. Six 1st Communications Main-
tenance Squadron Airmen participated in Tower Rescue and Climbing Training March 9, obtaining heights of approximately 50 feet to receive their certification. The 1 CMXS is in the only squadron within U.S. Air Forces in Europe capable of certifying Airmen in the course.
KMC unites for national prayer breakfast, Page 3
See CMXS, Page 8
LIFESTYLES
NEWS
Most of Europe will move its clocks forward by one hour when daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 26. In Germany, daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. (set clocks to 3 a.m.).
NEWS
Daylight saving time begins
“This training has to be done once a year in order to be a climber,” said Staff Sgt. Abraham Pulido, 1 CMXS cable and antenna maintenance technician and lead trainer for the course. “In order to be a climber,
Ramstein celebrates strength, Page 6
Freinsheim holds blossom fest, Page 14