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435 Construction Training Squadron restores WWII memorial in France, Page 5
Paying it forward, Page 8
Motorcycle safety begins with proper training, Page 11
3,000 years of Egyptian high culture exhibit at Völklinger Hütte, Page 18
May 17, 2019 | Volume 43, Number 19
Read the KA also online at KaiserslauternAmerican.com by Senior Airman Kristof J. Rixmann 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Gen. Harrigian: Readiness, posture, partnerships are key mission priorities Gen. Jeff L. Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa commander, delivers his first address as commander during a change of command ceremony held at Ramstein Air Base, May 1. As the new commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA, Harrigian is responsible for the full spectrum of Air Force war-fighting capabilities for two combatant commands. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Coffer
Less than 24 hours after officially assuming command, U.S. Air Force Gen. Jeff rey Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, highlighted his key mission priorities for USAFE-AFAFRICA’s area of responsibility spanning 104 countries in three different continents on Ramstein Air Base, May 2. Harrigian identified USAFEAFAFRICA’s continued readiness, posture and partnerships as focal points in maintaining near-peer competitor deterrence and continued global peace. “I’m primarily focused on our people,” said Harrigian. “It underpins everything we do and it’s really our greatest advantage. I think as you look at our people and the larger mission areas, it will come down to readiness and ensuring we have our force properly prepared.” See PRIORITIES, Page 2
Exercise Operation Varsity: 2nd Down by Staff Sgt. Jimmie D. Pike 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Members of the 86th Airlift Wing and surrounding Kaiserslautern Military Community concluded the second installment of Exercise Operation Varsity, an exercise to enhance full spectrum readiness, May 10 on Ramstein Air Base. During the exercise, personnel assigned to the 86th AW were tested on their ability to survive and operate while contested by near-peer adversaries and asymmetrical threats. Exercise Operation Varsity tested the processes and procedures of our personnel while under increased levels of stress in a chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear environment, explained leadership. Through multiple simulated attacks, Ramstein’s Airmen were evaluated on their ability to sustain an attack, assess damage and impact to operations, re-establish necessary missions, and return to normal operational warfighting capabilities. “Despite the several challenges and high expectations we place on Airmen, they continue to excel both inside and outside their areas of expertise.” said Brig. Gen. Mark August, 86th AW commander. Chief Master Sgt. Ernesto Rendon, 86th Airlift Wing command chief, See OPERATION VARSITY, Page 3
A simulated traffic accident victim speaks to a U.S. Air Force Chaplain during Exercise Operation Varsity 19-02 on Ramstein Air Base, May 10. The 86th Airlift Wing Chaplain Corps supported injured members before they were transported to medical treatment facilities. Photo by Senior Airman Devin M. Rumbaugh