Sixty-six airmen and several C-130Js from Ramstein AB, Germany, are at Powidz AB, Poland, for several weeks of training with members of the Polish military, announced Air Forces officials. This deployment marks the first rotation of Air Force personnel and airplanes to Poland as part of the new US aviation detachment (Av-Det) in Poland that stood up last November. The first Ramstein airmen touched down at Powidz on Feb. 22 and will remain there until March 9, according to a Feb. 25 Air Force release. “We’re going to see for the first time the fruits of our labor,” said Maj. Matthew Spears, detachment commander, of the rotation. “Having the 37th Airlift Squadron deploy, execute, and redeploy successfully will bring a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment to the members of the Av-Det,” he added. During this rotation, the Ramstein airmen and C-130Js will take part in precision airdrops and grass landings, according to a Feb. 22 release from the US embassy in Warsaw. (Includes Spangdahlem report by 2nd Lt. Katrina Cheesman)
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.