Undersecretary gets firsthand look at readiness of Ramstein airmen and guardians

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 Africa leaders, as well as Airmen and Guardians across multiple units here Sept. 24, during an immersion visit focused on readiness, joint integration and emerging threats.

The itinerary included stops at the USAFE–AFAFRICA and SPACEFOREUR–AF headquarters, the 86th Airlift Wing, the 603rd Air Operations Center and the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, where commanders and subject-matter experts briefed him on ongoing operations and future needs.

“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.”

He opened the day with a workout alongside SPACEFOREUR–AF Guardians and senior leaders, underscoring the link between fitness and operational performance. “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.”

Briefings on command priorities were followed by discussions with U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, the USAFE–AFAFRICA commander, about defending approaches to the United States and generating airpower for 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.”

At a working lunch in the installation dining facility, Lohmeier heard directly from Airmen and Guardians about mission successes and challenges, offering continued leadership support to sustain readiness and a strong warrior culture.

The visit also included a tour of the Air Defense Operations Center, described by the Air Force as the first operational facility of its kind. The ADOC is built to detect and counter emerging aerial threats and to tailor responses that account for the threat environment and host-nation considerations across Europe.

Lohmeier concluded the day with U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Fernengel, the SPACEFOREUR–AF commander, discussing joint warfighting initiatives and how space capabilities are planned and employed alongside other combatant command components in a rapidly evolving security environment.

The stop at Ramstein is part of a broader immersion across the European theater. During the visit, Lohmeier recognized several service members with coins for exemplary performance. “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.”