the s s i m t on’
ion t i d E y l u 4th of J k
NEWS
NEWS
NEWS
KMC Exchange named Best in Europe, Page 2
Ramstein’s C-40 departs reassigned to District of Washington, Pages 8 to 9
Berlin Airlift commemoration draws 45,000 visitors, Pages 12 to 13
D
ee
next w
June 21, 2019 | Volume 43, Number 24
Read the KA online at KaiserslauternAmerican.com
Ramstein says Auf Wiedersehen to vice commander
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Wenckus, former 86th Airlift Wing vice commander, receives his retirement certificate from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark R. August, 86th Airlift Wing commander, during Wenckus’ retirement ceremony on Ramstein Air Base, June 11. Wenckus commissioned out of the Air Force Academy, Colorado, in 1998 with a degree in Foreign Area Studies. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bass
See AUF WIEDERSEHEN, Page 2
Squadron Revitalization at Lajes by 65th Air Base Group Public Affairs Office
Col. Travis Leighton (left), 65th Air Base Group commander hands Lt. Col. Adam King the 65th Air Base Squadron guidon signifying the activation of the new squadron located at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, June 13. The 65th ABS consolidated the functions of the deactivated units 65th Operations Support Squadron, 65th Communications Squadron and the 65th Security Forces Squadron. Photo by Rick Baptista
LAJES FIELD, AZORES In line with the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein’s squadron revitalization initiative, the 65th Air Base Group consolidated the 65th Communications Squadron, 65th Operations Squadron and the 65th Security Forces Squadron forming the 65th Air Base Squadron, June 13. “The squadron is the beating heart of the United States Air Force; our most essential team,” Goldfein said in a letter to Airmen. “Our vision demands that squadrons be highly capable, expeditionary teams who can successfully defend our nation’s interests in both today’s and tomorrow’s
complex operating environments.” During the fall 2017 Corona, major commands were tasked to determine what constituted a “Healthy Squadron.” U.S. Air Forces in Europe noticed a natural break point of 75 or greater authorizations. It was determined that well- planned consolidations would provide the USAFE commander the means to enhance warfighting capabilities, expand leadership opportunities and prepare commanders for stronger leadership responsibility and depth. In June 2018, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force signed the Squadron
See REVITALIZATION, Page 6