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 placing Air Combat Command in charge of teaching combat tactics to fighter and remotely-piloted aircraft units, according to a May 12 announcement. Beginning this summer, the service will reassign the formal training units for the F-35, F-16, and MQ-9 from Air Education and Training Command to…