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United States Air Forces in Europe

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United States Air Forces in Europe
Unit nameUnited States Air Forces in Europe
CaptionEmblem of United States Air Forces in Europe
Dates7 August 1945 – present
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Air Force
TypeMajor Command
RoleAir superiority, Global reach
SizeApproximately 31,000 personnel
Command structureUnited States European Command, United States Air Force
GarrisonRamstein Air Base
Garrison labelHeadquarters
NicknameUSAFE
BattlesCold War, Gulf War, Kosovo War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War, Operation Inherent Resolve
Current commanderGeneral James B. Hecker
Notable commandersCurtis LeMay, John Dale Ryan, Robert J. Dixon

United States Air Forces in Europe. It is a Major Command of the United States Air Force and the air component of United States European Command. Headquartered at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, it provides combat-ready air forces for NATO and conducts sustained air and space operations across the European and African theaters. Its history is deeply intertwined with the post-World War II security architecture, the Cold War, and modern coalition operations.

History

The command was originally established as United States Strategic Air Forces in Europe on 7 August 1945, succeeding the wartime United States Strategic Air Forces. It was redesignated on 7 August 1945. During the Cold War, it was a pivotal deterrent force against the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, operating key bases like RAF Lakenheath and Spangdahlem Air Base. It played major roles in the Berlin Airlift, the Gulf War with operations from Incirlik Air Base, and the Kosovo War, enforcing the NATO-led Operation Allied Force. In the 21st century, it has supported operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and against the Islamic State.

Organization

As a Major Command, it reports to the United States Air Force and serves as the air component for United States European Command. Its structure includes both numbered air forces and direct reporting units, integrating closely with Allied Air Command at Ramstein Air Base. The command also has a distinct service component relationship with United States Africa Command, directing air operations across that continent. This dual-hatted structure ensures alignment with both U.S. Department of Defense objectives and NATO collective defense plans.

Major Commands and Units

Its primary subordinate command is the Third Air Force, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, which oversees most flying and support wings in the European theater. The Sixteenth Air Force, focused on intelligence and cyberwarfare, is also a key component. Major operational wings include the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, and the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall. Other critical units are the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base and the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base in Italy.

Installations

Its main operating base is Ramstein Air Base in Germany, which serves as the primary air hub and headquarters. Other major air bases include RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, Spangdahlem Air Base and Vogelweh in Germany, and Aviano Air Base in Italy. Forward operating locations are maintained at sites like Łask Air Base in Poland and Campia Turzii in Romania. Key support installations encompass the San Vito dei Normanni Air Station in Italy and various Army Prepositioned Stocks sites across the continent.

Operations and Exercises

It conducts continuous Baltic Air Policing and NATO Air Policing missions from locations in the Baltic states and Iceland. Major recurring exercises include Air Defender 23, Saber Strike, and African Lion, which enhance interoperability with allies like the German Air Force and Royal Air Force. The command executed significant combat operations during Operation Desert Storm, Operation Deliberate Force, and Operation Odyssey Dawn. It remains central to NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence and European Deterrence Initiative.

Aircraft

Its inventory includes advanced fighter aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle, and the newer F-35 Lightning II, operated by wings like the 48th Fighter Wing. Strategic airlift is provided by the C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III, while KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft enable global reach. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions are flown by the RQ-4 Global Hawk and U-2 Dragon Lady. The command also hosts Air Force Special Operations Command assets, including the CV-22 Osprey.

Commanders

Notable past commanders include General Curtis LeMay, who later led the Strategic Air Command, and General John Dale Ryan, who became Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. General Robert J. Dixon commanded during a key period of the Cold War. The commander typically holds the dual-hatted role of Commander, Allied Air Command for NATO. The current commander as of 2024 is General James B. Hecker, who previously served as commander of the Ninth Air Force.

Category:United States Air Force commands Category:Military units and formations established in 1945 Category:Military in Europe