The head of US Air Forces in Europe, Gen. Tom Hobbins, and the US Ambassador to Germany, William Timken Jr., heaped praise on USAFE airmen for their efforts to aid Americans fleeing the fighting in Lebanon. USAFE airmen at facilities in England, Germany, and Turkey have supported various facets of the evacuation. Timken called the effort at Ramstein AB, Germany, “a logistical feat … not understood by many American civilians.” Hobbins told a crowd assembled at Ramstein, “This really is a testament to the professionalism, the dedication, and perseverance of the people you see behind me.”
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.
