Marine Gen. James L. Jones, the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe and Commander of US European Command, told reporters Wednesday that US Air Force assets in his theater have already successfully completed transformation into a model expeditionary air force. Jones explained that US air assets in Europe can execute America’s NATO responsibilities as well as support operations in Southwest Asia. He declared that Ramstein AB, Germany, is probably “one of the most important assets in the world.” The US Air Forces in Europe facility is critical, said Jones, to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan—particularly now with NATO scheduled to take over operations to help stabilize Afghanistan next year. Jones credited USAFE for helping build effective partnerships with air forces in Bulgaria and Romania, and even Russia and African nations.
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.