Air Force undersecretary sees Ramstein Airmen and Guardians’ readiness firsthand

Ramstein Air Base, Germany — Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier met with air and space component leaders, Airmen and Guardians during a Sept. 24 immersion visit focused on readiness, technology, and integration across the European and African theaters.

The trip included stops at U.S. Air Forces Europe–Air Forces Africa and U.S. Space Forces in Europe and Africa headquarters, along with the 86th Airlift Wing, 603rd Air Operations Center, and 435th Air Ground Operations Wing. Lohmeier received briefings on ongoing missions and regional challenges, and heard directly from subject matter experts on modernization priorities and future requirements. “It’s a true privilege to visit Ramstein and see firsthand all the critical missions they execute in support of our warfighters,” Lohmeier said. “The motivation, service and expertise they display give me confidence our warfighters are ready to fight and win. We, as senior leaders, need to ensure they receive the most technologically advanced capabilities to execute their mission.”

Lohmeier began the day with a workout alongside SPACEFOREUR-AF Guardians and leadership, underscoring physical fitness as a cornerstone of force readiness. “Fitness is part of readiness, and leaders have to set that example,” he said. “Whether you are at home station, deployed or on the road, taking care of yourself physically helps ensure you are prepared to lead and accomplish the mission.”

He later met with U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, commander of USAFE–AFAFRICA, to discuss how the command secures strategic approaches to the United States and generates airpower in support of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. “It was extremely valuable to meet with General Hinds to discuss how USAFE-AFAFAFRICA protects the U.S. homeland with our allies and partners,” Lohmeier said. “It is clear that our forces project combat-ready airpower in Europe, Africa and beyond, deter aggression, and are prepared to win decisively should deterrence fail.”

During a working lunch at the base dining facility, Lohmeier heard from Airmen and Guardians about operational hurdles, successes, and efforts to strengthen a warrior culture. He also recognized several personnel with coins for exemplary service.

The visit included a tour of the Air Defense Operations Center, which the Air Force describes as the first operational facility of its kind. The ADOC is designed to detect and counter emerging aerial threats and to help experts craft response approaches tailored to specific threats and host nation considerations across Europe.

Lohmeier concluded with a session alongside U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Fernengel, commander of SPACEFOREUR-AF, focused on joint warfighting and closer integration with other combatant command components. With the operating environment evolving rapidly, both sides emphasized shared understanding of how space capabilities are planned and employed in support of the joint force.

The stop at Ramstein is part of Lohmeier’s broader immersion across the European area of responsibility to engage directly with Airmen and Guardians. “Readiness starts with our people,” he said. “The professionalism and commitment to readiness from the Airmen and Guardians I met at Ramstein today are exactly what our Air Force needs as we prepare to defeat the threats in theater.”