US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa officials activated the 764th Specialized Contracting Squadron at Ramstein AB, Germany, according to a base release. “Today, the 764th is the first specialized contracting squadron to officially stand up,” said Col. Mario Troncoso, Air Force Installation Contracting Agency director, who presided over the Oct. 2 ceremony. The squadron’s mission is “to provide acquisition support to all of USAFE-AFAFRICA for purchases worth more than $2 million or any amount that supports multiple locations,” states the Oct. 2 release. The squadron took over the functions previously executed by the 700th Contracting Squadron’s specialized contracting flight. Under an Air Force-wide realignment, specialized contracting flights are transitioning to squadrons and will fall under AFICA, states the release. The agency is headquartered at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. (Ramstein report by SSgt. Ryan Crane)
U.S. aircraft, drones, and attack helicopters have launched significant airstrikes in recent days against Islamic State militants in Syria as part of the renewed air campaign against remnants of the group, U.S. officials said.
