The north runway at Ramstein AB, Germany, is undergoing reconstruction and work is ahead of schedule. The Air Force has undertaken a three-phase, $20 million refurbishment that will add 1,000 extra feet and allow heavier transports to take off when fully loaded, eliminating excess cargo flights. Ramstein had been primarily a fighter base, until the Air Force decided to close Rhein-Main AB, Germany, and shift the burden of airlift operations to its two other prime facilities in Germany—Ramstein and Spangdahlem. Current plans call for the work to be completed one week early – in late December rather than January 1, 2007.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.