US airmen, marines, and soldiers were among the 200 paratroopers from six NATO countries who participated in International Jump Week, Aug. 8-11. It was the third annual jump week hosted by the 435th Contingency Response Group, which falls under the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing based at Ramstein AB, Germany. Throughout the week, paratroopers from the US, Germany, England, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands jumped out of aircraft from Papa AB, Hungary, Peterson AFB, Colo., and the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein. “Building these partnerships with our allies is just as important as jumping,” said Col. John Shapalnd, 435th AGOW commander. “It’s great because jumpers from all over get to share experiences … jumps, and war stories with each other. That bond is resilient and lasting.”
The Air Force is planning to spend $2.19 billion over the next five years to acquire new C-37 jets for transporting military and civilian leaders. That’s on top of another $1.17 billion in projected funding for the VC-25B “Air Force One” replacement.