Undersecretary witnesses Ramstein Air Base Airmen and Guardians’ readiness firsthand

Ramstein Air Base, Germany — Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier met with U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa and U.S. Space Forces in Europe and Space Forces Africa leaders, Airmen and Guardians during a Sept. 24 immersion visit focused on readiness, integration and technology at this major U.S. hub.

“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.”

The trip included stops at USAFE-AFAFRICA and SPACEFOREUR-AF headquarters, the 86th Air Wing, the 603rd Air Operations Center and the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing. Commanders and subject-matter experts briefed Lohmeier on current operations, future requirements and emerging challenges across the European and African theaters.

He began the day by joining SPACEFOREUR-AF Guardians and leaders for a workout, underscoring the link between fitness and mission readiness. “Fitness is part of readiness, and leaders have to set that example,” Lohmeier 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.”

Lohmeier then received updates on how USAFE-AFAFRICA defends key approaches to the United States and generates combat-ready airpower in support of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. In discussions with USAFE-AFAFRICA commander Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, Lohmeier emphasized allied cooperation, deterrence and the ability to prevail if deterrence fails.

He also joined Airmen and Guardians for a working lunch at the installation dining facility, where personnel outlined on-the-ground challenges and successes tied to maintaining readiness and strengthening a warrior culture. Lohmeier offered continued leadership support, highlighting the importance of resourcing and training as the operating environment grows more contested.

The visit featured a tour of the Air Defense Operations Center, described as the first of its kind in the Air Force to become operational. The ADOC is designed to detect and counter emerging aerial threats and to help experts develop approaches tailored to evolving dangers and host-nation considerations across Europe.

Lohmeier later met with U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Fernengel, commander of SPACEFOREUR-AF, to discuss joint warfighting initiatives and how space capabilities are integrated with other combatant command components. With rapid changes shaping the strategic landscape, officials stressed that shared understanding and close coordination in planning and employing space effects are vital to joint-force success.

Throughout the day, Lohmeier recognized multiple service members with coins for exemplary performance. The Ramstein stop is part of a broader immersion across the European area of responsibility aimed at engaging directly with Airmen and Guardians throughout the theater.

“Readiness starts with our people,” Lohmeier 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.”