Air Force undersecretary observes Airmen and Guardian readiness at Ramstein Air Base

Ramstein Air Base, Germany — Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier met with leaders, Airmen and Guardians across multiple commands during an immersion visit here Sept. 24, focusing on readiness, integrated operations and emerging air and space missions across Europe and Africa.

His itinerary included stops at U.S. Air Forces Europe–Air Forces Africa and U.S. Space Forces in Europe and Space Forces Africa headquarters, as well as the 86th Airlift Wing, 603rd Air Operations Center and 435th Air Ground Operations Wing. The engagements offered updates on current and future missions, challenges and opportunities spanning two combatant commands.

“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 the link between physical fitness and resilience. “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.”

Briefings on command missions and ongoing operations followed, including a session with U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander, on how the command generates airpower across two continents 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 installation dining facility, Lohmeier heard directly from Airmen and Guardians about mission challenges and successes and offered continued leadership support to sustain readiness and a strong warrior culture.

The visit also included a tour of the Air Defense Operations Center, which the Air Force describes as the first-of-its-kind facility in the service to become operational. Designed to detect and counter emerging aerial threats, the ADOC helps experts tailor approaches to evolving risks and host-nation considerations across Europe.

Lohmeier concluded with a meeting with U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Fernengel, SPACEFOREUR-AF commander, to discuss joint warfighting initiatives and integration with other combatant command components amid a rapidly changing operational environment.

The stop at Ramstein was part of a broader immersion across the European theater. Lohmeier recognized multiple service members with coining ceremonies for exemplary performance. “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.”