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United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa

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Article Genealogy
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United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
Unit nameUnited States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
CaptionEmblem of United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
Dates1942–present
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Air Force
TypeMajor Command
RoleAir and Space Power Provider
SizeApproximately 33,000 personnel
Command structureUnited States European Command, United States Africa Command, United States Air Force
GarrisonRamstein Air Base, Germany
Garrison labelHeadquarters
Current commanderGeneral James B. Hecker
Notable commandersCurtis LeMay, John Dale Ryan, Robert J. Dixon

United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa is a Major Command of the United States Air Force and the air component for both United States European Command and United States Africa Command. Headquartered at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, it is responsible for all U.S. Air Force operations across the European and African continents. The command provides ready air and space power to support NATO alliances, conduct expeditionary operations, and build partner capacity.

History

The command's origins trace to the activation of the Eighth Air Force in Britain during World War II, which conducted the strategic Combined Bomber Offensive against Nazi Germany. Redesignated as United States Air Forces in Europe in 1945, it became a key instrument of American power during the Cold War, operating from bases like RAF Lakenheath and Spangdahlem Air Base to deter the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, it supported operations like Operation Provide Comfort and peacekeeping in the Balkans. In 2008, it merged with the Seventeenth Air Force to incorporate the Africa Command air component mission, formally becoming United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa in 2012.

Organization

The command is a Service Component Command under both United States European Command in Stuttgart and United States Africa Command. Its structure includes two numbered air forces: the Third Air Force at RAF Mildenhall, focused on Europe, and the Sixteenth Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio, which oversees ISR, cyber, and electronic warfare operations globally. Key directorates handle operations, logistics, strategy, and engagements with allies like the Royal Air Force and German Air Force. This dual-hatted organization allows synchronized support to both NATO and African partners.

Mission and responsibilities

Its primary mission is to conduct and enable air, space, and cyberspace operations to support U.S., NATO, and partner nation interests. Core responsibilities include providing a credible deterrent against aggression, assuring allies through forward presence, and executing contingency operations. The command also leads security cooperation and building partnership capacity across two continents, working with organizations like the African Union and through programs such as the African Partnership Flight. It ensures theater-wide air sovereignty and integrates with United States Space Force assets for domain awareness.

Major units and bases

Major operational wings include the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, flying the F-35 Lightning II and F-15 Eagle, and the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, operating the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall provides aerial refueling. In Africa, key locations include Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti and Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger. Other critical installations are Aviano Air Base in Italy, Ramstein Air Base serving as the Air Mobility Command hub, and RAF Fairford as a forward operating location for B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress bombers.

Operations and exercises

The command continuously conducts operations, from Baltic Air Policing missions over Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to counter-ISIL strikes as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. It leads major multinational exercises like Air Defender, Saber Junction, and African Lion to enhance interoperability with allies such as the Polish Air Force and Royal Moroccan Air Force. Recent humanitarian efforts include Operation Allies Refuge airlifts from Kabul and disaster relief in the aftermath of the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake. It also supports United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa and United States Army Europe and Africa joint maneuvers.

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. Recent commanders are General Tod D. Wolters, who also served as Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and General Jeffrey L. Harrigian. The current commander is General James B. Hecker, who previously led the NATO Allied Air Command and Pacific Air Forces. These commanders have overseen the command's evolution through pivotal events like the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the post-September 11 attacks era.

Category:Major commands of the United States Air Force Category:Military units and formations of the United States in Europe Category:Military units and formations of the United States in Africa