Undersecretary witnesses readiness of Ramstein Air Base airmen and Guardians 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 visit focused on readiness, modernization and joint integration across the theater.

The itinerary included stops at 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 experts briefed him on ongoing missions, future requirements and operational challenges. “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 leadership and Guardians, underscoring the link between physical 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 covered how the command supports U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command by generating combat airpower and defending approaches to the United States. Following a discussion with Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, the USAFE–AFAFRICA commander, Lohmeier said, “It was extremely valuable to meet with General Hinds to discuss how USAFE-AFAFAFRICA protects the U.S. homeland with our allies and partners,” adding, “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.”

Over a working lunch at the base dining facility, Airmen and Guardians shared frontline perspectives on mission demands and successes. Lohmeier then toured the Air Defense Operations Center, described as the Air Force’s first operational facility of its kind and built to detect and respond to emerging aerial threats while tailoring approaches to the diverse conditions and host-nation considerations across Europe.

He concluded the visit with U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Fernengel, the SPACEFOREUR–AF commander, discussing joint warfighting and how space capabilities are planned and employed alongside other combatant command components amid a rapidly evolving security environment. Throughout the stop, Lohmeier recognized several personnel with coins for exemplary service as part of a broader European theater immersion.

“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.”