Kaiserslautern American, October 28, 2016

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October 28, 2016

October 28, 2016

Kaiserslautern American

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HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?

Volume 40, number 43

Clark takes command of 3rd Air Force by Tech. Sgt. Micky Pena U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs

Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark took command of the 3rd Air Force from Lt. Gen. Timothy M. Ray during a change of command ceremony Oct. 21 on Ramstein. Ray, who will continue to serve as the U.S. European Command deputy commander, expressed his gratitude to the Airmen of the command prior to his departure. “I don’t have the words. It is so humbling to see what you do every day. I just want to say thank you. We asked so much of you. … And that’s exactly what we got and then some,” Ray stated. “Thank you for what you do, your sacrifice, your leadership and certainly, thank you to your families,” Ray continued. Before passing the guidon, signifying the official change of command, Ray also provided a few words of advice to the Airmen. “It’s not about being perfect, but it is about serving selflessly on a team of innovative warriors that absolutely refuse to lose,” Ray said. “Remember your commander’s intent: fly, fight and win.”

Photo by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh

Gen. Tod D. Wolters, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Air Forces Africa and Allied Air Command commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark, 3rd Air Force commander, during a change of command ceremony Oct. 21 on Ramstein. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the transfer of command.

The ceremony’s presiding official, Gen. Tod Wolters, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Air Forces Africa and Allied

Air Command commander, referred to Ray as the finest numbered Air Force commander with a remarkable

command accomplishment who will See command, Page 2

37 AS loadmasters: Piece to USAFE puzzle Thousands of feet above the German countryside, the loadmasters proceed to open the back of a C-130J Super Hercules as the cool wind gusts throughout the aircraft. They listen on their crackling headsets for the aircraft coordinates, awaiting to signal the jump master that it’s safe to step off the ramp.

For 37th Airlift Squadron loadmasters, safely loading and unloading cargo, vehicles, passengers or paratroopers out a C-130J involves more than what just meets the eye. There are mathematic configurations, aircraft inspections and extensive mission planning taking place before the aircraft’s engines ever heat up. “It’s like a puzzle trying to fit all the cargo within the limitations of the aircraft,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Perry,

37 AS loadmaster instructor. “There are a lot of pieces of equipment, and it’s three-dimensional Tetris with giant Tetris pieces. It’s a lot of fun; I enjoy it.” To assemble their puzzle, the loadmasters must coordinate support with the 721st Aerial Port Squadron air terminal operations on the type of cargo the aircraft will be carrying. After learning if there are hazardous materials, palletized cargo or passen-

IVEAWAY! G A K T A E R THE G see page 26

FEATURES

to our W

See loadmaSterS, Page 3

Daylight Saving time

NEWS

tions Congratuinla ners

gers being uploaded, they configure the correct placement, space and cargo type to balance the aircraft. Perry said they certainly wouldn’t be able to do their job without the support of all the units. “We make do, but we aren’t nearly as good as the people who support us,” Perry said. The support of Ramstein units is

Ramstein Airmen honor Kindergraves, Page 3

86 MSG DTC helps redeployers relax, Page 8

Remember to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, Oct. 30! Also, please note that most locations in the U.S. do not set their clocks back until Nov. 6.

Story and photo by Senior Airman Nesha Humes 86th Airlift Wing Publics Affair


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