About 50 airmen from Ramstein AB, Germany, have completed a week of off-site C-130 training with Polish military personnel at Powidz AB, Poland. Members of Ramstein’s 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Contingency Response Group conducted parachute jump training drills and related activities with airmen of the Polish air force’s 3rd AW and troops of the Polish Operational Mobile Reaction Group. The 86th AW operates C-130Js, while the 3rd AW flies refurbished ex-USAF C-130Es. Known as Operation Screaming Eagle, these activities were meant to strengthen bonds and build upon the partnership that the two C-130 units formalized in June when they became sister wings. “[The Polish airmen] were very friendly and eager to work with us,” said Capt. Ryan Miller, a Ramstein flight commander. The visit also allowed the Ramstein aircrews to meet their training requirements for night flying. (Powidz report by SSgt. Jocelyn Rich)
Airmen from the California Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves brushed up on their aerial firefighting skills late last month in preparation for the 2024 wildfire season, which could see fires break out across North America.